Abstract:

Social media has become the main communicating tool for adults and especially for the ones that use them the most: young adults. Over these past years, both the positive and negative consequences of their use in this population have been investigated, although the works in this regard speak of specific platforms or isolated factors. Research shows, on one side, that this use enhances social support, helps to explore self identity and improves social skills, some studies even have found it to be strongly correlated with a higher positive affect. In contrast, other studies have found this use to be related with and increased risk of experimenting psychological disorders, more worryness, less hours of sleep and more chance of being cyber bullied, among others. An overall view of how time and utilization frequency of all platforms affect most key variables that imply psychological well-being has not yet been delimited.

Objective:
To analyze the relationship between the use of all social networks and the consequences found in psychological variables implicated in the mental well-being of young adults.

Methodology:
Following Cochrane methodology and PRISMA guidelines, comprehensive systematic manual searches of International electronic databases were conducted. Terms related with psychological wellbeing were combined with social networks use. Selection criteria were related to the quality and level of adjustment of measurement instruments, the sample size and homogeneity, language, age boundaries, and the measurement of utilization of the platforms, among others. The relationship between the variables as well as limitations of each study were presented.

Results:
From the initial 417 articles reviewed, the search finally led to 18 eligible studies. Results show that the frequent and prolonged use of different networks is closely related to a greater predisposition to suffer from stress, Internet addiction disorder, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and eating disorders. In adition, it is linked to personality variables associated with risk patterns, such as narcissism, histrionism, low self-esteem or body dissatisfaction. In contrast, the use of specific networks such as Instagram was correlated in some cases with higher levels of empathy, greater extraversion and better social support.

Conclusions:
In many of the reviewed articles, negative aspects are highlighted; however, there is no consensus on positive and negative aspects in a global or weighted manner. Authors recognize the main limitation of this area: most studies are experimental, which does not permit to see the directionality of causality between the associations, hence more longitudinal studies should be carried out in this regard. Observing that most young adults will continue to frequently use social media in the following years, we suggest to enhance its positive effects and minimize the negative ones. Platforms have great potential for educating in emotional tools to promote positive affect and, inevitably, prevent the growing risk of mental disorders through an increase in psychological well-being. Teacher training needs to be implemented in schools and universities in order to turn this use into an ally factor for psychoeducating on key features such as active coping strategies, developing identity or strengthening social support, preparing individuals for the tough challenges that this age implies such as identity consolidation, independency and labor developing.

Keywords:

Social media, systematic review, young adults, psychological wellbeing.