31, July 2025

The Social Media Paradox and Health Behaviour among Teenagers in Kerala

Author(s): 1. Muhammad Abdul Nasar.K, 2. Dr. Fathima Jaseena M P M

Authors Affiliations:

  1. Research Scholar, Farook Training College, Feroke, University of Calicut, Kerala, India
  2. Dr. Fathima Jaseena M P M, Farook Training College, Feroke, University of Calicut, Kerala, India

DOIs:10.2015/IJIRMF/202507054     |     Paper ID: IJIRMF202507054


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This study explores the growing influence of social media on the health behaviors of adolescents in Kerala, a state noted for its high educational and digital literacy. With the rise of platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube, social media has become an integral part of adolescents’ daily life, affecting their communication patterns and lifestyle choices. Using health behavior and communication theories—such as the Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Cognitive Theory, Trans theoretical Model, and Self-Determination Theory—the study examines how social media engagement relates to sleep, physical activity, dietary habits, and mental well-being. Data were gathered from 200 higher secondary students in Kozhikode district through a structured questionnaire. The tool measured social media usage patterns, including time spent, types of content viewed, and its perceived impact on health-related behaviors such as sleep, eating habits, exercise, and stress levels. Findings from the quantitative analysis indicate that most adolescents engage with social media extensively, particularly in the evenings. High usage was associated with sleep deprivation, physical discomfort, and reduced physical activity. Conversely, a few students noted educational benefits from social media. The study also found minimal use of social media for academic purposes. While social media offers platforms for learning and social connection, excessive and unregulated use may pose risks to adolescent health. The findings underscore the need for greater awareness, digital literacy, and moderated usage among youth. The study recommends implementing school-based digital literacy programs, encouraging parental supervision, and promoting community-level initiatives to foster healthier digital habits among adolescents in Kerala.

Social Media, Social Media Paradox, Teenagers / Adolescents, Health Behaviour,Kerala Adolescents, Digital Well-being

Muhammad Abdul Nasar.K,  Dr. Fathima Jaseena M P M(2025); The Social Media Paradox and Health Behaviour among Teenagers in Kerala, International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field, ISSN(O): 2455-0620, Vol-11, Issue-7, Pp.370-380.          Available on –   https://www.ijirmf.com/

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