A cross sectional study to evaluate the social media use in individuals with anxiety disorders in a tertiary care hospital set up

The global use of social networking sites (SNSs) is growing, with significant usage in North America, Europe, and India. While social media has become an integral part of daily life, especially for young adults, its impact on mental health is complex and can be both positive and negative. This study aims to explore the patterns of social media use among individuals with anxiety disorders, highlighting how specific usage patterns may affect their well-being. The research is motivated by the need to better understand the link between social media addiction and anxiety disorders, given the potential for social media to exacerbate anxiety symptoms. The study will also inform targeted interventions and preventive strategies to mitigate the negative effects of social media on mental health. The literature review indicates that both active and passive social media use have different associations with mental health outcomes, with passive use being more strongly linked to social anxiety. The study’s primary objective is to describe the social media usage patterns in individuals with anxiety disorders, while the secondary objective is to assess their level of social media addiction.