Digital Social Isolation and Its Impact on Mental Health Indicators among Social Media Users: A Field Study on Students of the Faculty of Arts, University of Zawiya

Abstract

This study looked at the impact of digital social isolation on mental health indicators among students of the Faculty of Arts at Al-Zawiya University during the 2023–2024 academic year. The study used a descriptive-analytical approach, and data were collected from a stratified random sample of 100 male and female students using a standardized questionnaire that measured levels of digital isolation along with mental health measures such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and emotional balance. The results showed a high overall level of digital social isolation among students (with an average of 3.45), with the most prominent feature being the tendency to spend long periods alone with digital devices. Furthermore, the results revealed a strong and statistically significant positive correlation between digital isolation and indicators of psychological disorders, as simple linear regression analysis confirmed that digital isolation could predict about 33.6% of the variance in mental health outcomes. Increased engagement in virtual interaction was also strongly linked to weaker real-life social interaction, and participants strongly agreed that excessive use of social media negatively affects their focus, studies, and sleep patterns, in addition to tSocial media comparisons exacerbate depression. The demographic analysis showed statistically significant differences in levels of digital isolation favoring females, and there were differences in self-satisfaction linked to daily platform usage, while no statistically significant differences between genders appeared in general anxiety and depression indicators. Based on these results, the study recommends designing and implementing targeted university guidance and awareness programs.