Problematic versus reflective use: Types of social media use as determinants of mental health among young Filipino undergraduates

Background: The link between problematic social media use (SMU) and mental health among youth has been established. However, there is insufficient information on how mental health is influenced by COVID-19 pandemic-related changes and positive aspects of SMU. This study aims to determine the relationship of pandemic-related changes in SMU, and two types of SMU (problematic and reflective use) with mental health among young Filipino undergraduates. Methods: A total of 1087 Filipino undergraduates aged 18 to 30 years old participated in this cross-sectional study. Data collection via online survey was conducted in August 2021. Results: Findings indicate the significant association between the perceived changes in SMU and mental health among respondents (P 0.001). In terms of type of use, results suggest that students who demonstrate lower problematic SMU (B = -0.608, P 0.001, 95% CI = -0.955 – -0.259) and higher reflective SMU (B = 3.524, P 0.001, 95% CI = 2.051– 4.895) had higher mental wellbeing. Moreover, poorer mental wellbeing was observed among females and LGBTQ+ respondents with poorer internet quality (P 0.05). Conclusion: Mental health among young Filipino undergraduates is influenced by pandemicrelated changes and types of SMU. With the increasing necessity of social media amid the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health practitioners and advocates can increase their visibility online to promote reflective SMU as a protective factor against mental health decline.