ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS AND MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE CITY OF SUCRE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

The pandemic caused by the COVID-19 Virus has generated negative effects at different levels, including mental health; the quarantine has forced people, especially young people, to opt for the use of social networks as an alternative means to maintain their usual links. The present study aimed to: Know the effects of social networks on the mental health of young people in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Sucre. A virtual survey was applied to 156 young volunteers, finding a statistically significant association between emotions and social networks: sadness-WhatsApp, fear/disgust-Facebook / Instagram / Youtube; Twitter presents a different profile as it is associated with the emotion of liking. Regarding the coping strategies, a statistically significant association was found between Twitter-search for solutions and self-control, Instagram-avoidance and Facebook-acceptance of responsibility. In conclusion, social networks are associated with different emotional states, however, not all networks have the same type of audience and therefore do not present the same effects, and similar studies should be continued to facilitate a better understanding of this phenomenon.