Social Media and the Mental Health of Users in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> The study applies social learning theories to understand how users of social media platforms learn new health behaviors that affect their mental health – either negatively or positively. The research hypotheses were; H₁: Outcome Expectations have a positive effect on the External Locus of Control of social media users in Sub-Saharan Africa, and H₂: External Locus of Control positively affects the mental health of social media users in Sub-Saharan Africa. A cross-sectional study approach was applied with quantitative research methods. Data were collected using questionnaires distributed to a sample of 450 social media users from three African countries including Cameroon, Uganda and Nigeria. Each country had a sample of 150 for the study. Findings revealed a negative significant relationship between Outcome Expectations and External Locus of Control, implying that H₁ was not supported. On the other hand, there was a positive significant relationship between External Locus of Control on mental health, implying that H₂ was supported. Since Outcome Expectations were found to positively affect External Locus of Control of social media users, it is important for social media platforms to be designed in such a way that they will make its users better and more acceptable people in society. Further, we recommend online community education, sensitization and policing to help educate the careless learners on the dangers of learning bad behaviors that negatively affect their mental health. In terms of policy, governments should enact laws that force social media developers to use local content. Using local content will ensure that only appropriate information is consumed by citizens via social media.