Background of the Study
Social media platforms have revolutionized communication, providing a space for people to share information, express personal experiences, and engage in public discussions. In recent years, social media has become a vital tool for mental health awareness, especially among young adults and university students. The accessibility and reach of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube offer opportunities for individuals to seek information and support related to mental health issues, thus reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking behavior (Akinmoladun & Onu, 2023).
At the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu State, university students are increasingly using social media to access mental health resources, including awareness campaigns, peer support groups, and professional counseling services. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on how social media influences mental health awareness among these students and whether it impacts their willingness to seek professional help. This study will explore the role of social media in shaping mental health awareness and behavior among university students in the context of Enugu State.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the growing popularity of social media, its role in promoting mental health awareness among university students remains underexplored in Nigerian academic institutions. At the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu State, students may be influenced by the mental health discussions happening on various platforms, but there is limited research examining whether social media use translates into actual changes in attitudes, behaviors, or help-seeking tendencies.
This study seeks to fill this gap by investigating the extent to which social media contributes to mental health awareness and whether it encourages university students to seek professional support for mental health concerns.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the role of social media in promoting mental health awareness among university students.
2. To evaluate the influence of social media on students' attitudes toward mental health issues and treatment.
3. To explore the relationship between social media usage and students' willingness to seek professional mental health support.
Research Questions
1. How does social media contribute to mental health awareness among university students?
2. What influence does social media have on students’ attitudes toward mental health?
3. How does social media affect students' willingness to seek professional help for mental health concerns?
Research Hypotheses
1. Social media significantly contributes to mental health awareness among university students.
2. Social media positively influences students' attitudes toward mental health issues and treatment.
3. Social media usage is associated with increased willingness to seek professional mental health support.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on university students at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu State, and will explore their engagement with social media and mental health awareness. Data will be gathered through surveys, interviews, and online content analysis between 2023 and 2025. Limitations include the challenge of distinguishing between the effects of social media and other factors influencing students' mental health perceptions.
Definitions of Terms
• Social Media: Online platforms that enable users to create, share, and exchange content, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others.
• Mental Health Awareness: The knowledge, understanding, and attitudes towards mental health conditions and treatment.
• Help-Seeking Behavior: The actions individuals take to seek assistance for mental health concerns, including seeking professional treatment.
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