SOCIAL MEDIA VALIDATION AND MENTAL HEALTH: A PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF LIKES, COMMENTS, FOLLOWERS COUNT ON TIKTOK AND INSTAGRAM USERS

CHINASA-NWOSU, REJOICE AKUCHINYERE (2026) SOCIAL MEDIA VALIDATION AND MENTAL HEALTH: A PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF LIKES, COMMENTS, FOLLOWERS COUNT ON TIKTOK AND INSTAGRAM USERS. Other thesis, GODFREY OKOYE UNIVERSITY, ENUGU.

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Abstract

This study examined Social Media Validation and Mental Health: A Study of the Psychological Effects of Likes, Comments and Follower Counts among TikTok and Instagram Users of Godfrey Okoye University Undergraduates. The study was prompted by the increasing dependence of students on likes, comments, and followers for social approval, which has raised concerns about its effects on self-esteem and psychological well-being. The objectives were to examine the extent to which undergraduates seek social validation, determine its relationship with self-esteem, assess its psychological effects, and identify coping strategies adopted by students. The study adopted a survey research design. The population comprised 2,972 undergraduate students of Godfrey Okoye University, while a sample size of 353 respondents was determined using the Taro Yamane formula. Out of the questionnaires distributed, 300 were successfully completed and analysed using frequency tables and percentages. The findings revealed that most respondents actively use TikTok and Instagram and frequently seek validation through likes, comments, and followers. The study also found that social media validation influences students' emotions, with low engagement causing anxiety, loneliness, and sadness, while high engagement increases happiness and satisfaction. Although many respondents reported that their self-worth is not entirely dependent on online validation, social media engagement still significantly affects their emotional well-being. The study further revealed that many students rarely adopt effective coping strategies such as limiting screen time or taking breaks from social media. The study concluded that excessive dependence on social media validation can negatively affect the mental health of undergraduate students. It recommended that universities should strengthen mental health awareness programmes, provide effective counselling services, and encourage students to develop healthy social media habits and self-esteem that are independent of online validation.

Item Type:	Thesis (Other)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Management and Social Sciences
Depositing User:	CHIBUEZE EZE
Date Deposited:	03 Aug 2026 10:11
Last Modified:	03 Aug 2026 10:11
URI:	http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/6131

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