Research: 43.3% of Social Media Users Among Rwandan Youth Suffer from Severe Depression
A study conducted by mental health experts reveals that 43.3% of young people in Rwanda who use social media experience severe depression and other mental health challenges. The research, funded by Aegis Trust Rwanda, aimed to assess the psychological effects of social media use on Rwandan youth.
The study was conducted by experts including Kwizera Rulinda from Lifeline Rwanda and Nshimiyimana Augustin, a lecturer at the University of Rwanda. Over five months (from August 2023 to January 2024), the research targeted 106 participants aged between 18 and 30 from Nyarugenge and Huye Districts.
Findings showed that in addition to the 43.3% suffering from severe depression, another 37.7% of respondents struggle with anxiety disorders. Furthermore, 33.8% reported experiencing stress, while 26.4% suffered from loneliness.
Key contributors to these mental health issues include negative comments received on social media, such as criticism of personal photos, which often diminish self-esteem and lead to negative thought patterns. Other negative effects of social media usage identified in the study include reduced critical thinking abilities and a decline in parental involvement, as parents increasingly spend time on social media instead of engaging with their children.
The researchers urged policymakers to develop strategies to help young people use social media without compromising their mental well-being. They also called on mental health professionals to intensify their efforts in supporting youth, emphasizing that mental health challenges hinder personal and societal development and, in severe cases, can lead to suicidal thoughts.
The study, funded by Aegis Trust, highlights the pressing mental health challenges faced by youth using social media, including severe depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness.
