USING OF SOCIAL MEDIA: INSIGHTS FROM UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF WEST BENGAL

In the post Covid-19 World, People have become ‘slaves’ to mobile phone and electronic gadgets. Everyone is locked in their electronics device in whole day. Undergraduate Students were not left out of this slavery. The social media show many opportunities and pose several risks. Social media affects our lives; hence research is needed because its effects are hotly debated. The present study has been designed to know the perceptions regarding social media along with investigate primary purpose for using social media, and to identify the effects of social media on their mental health and well being among the undergraduate students of West Bengal, India. The study has been conducted during the month of March, 2025 in West Bengal, India. Primary data have been collected through the self-made questionnaire scheduled in Google form from the students who are presently studying in different undergraduate courses across West Bengal by applying purposive sampling technique. We have received data from 331 students from ten districts across the said state. Findings from the present study indicate that social media can control undergraduate youths’ life today. While social media can enhance academic/educational purpose (41.99%), socializing with friends and family (11.18%), news and current affairs (7.55%), and networking and career opportunities (4.84%). The salience of its negative effects on users’ mental health and well-being are increases anxiety, comparison, distraction, etc.