Project Title
Exercise and Social-Media in Relation to Mental Health During the Pandemic
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Tsu-Ming Chiang
Abstract
The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people's mental and physical health. It took a significant toll on the physical well-being of many, as well as changed aspects of everyday lifestyles. The pandemic has forced people to stay inside, work from home, and ultimately become sedentary and isolated. It has been the cause of significant public health issues with physical inactivity among adults and adolescents, and increasing use of social media (Nagamalar, et al. 2021). Furthermore, reports have shown a significant increase in severe depression and anxiety due to feeling stuck and inactive (Gestsdottir, et al. 2021). The increase in social media use may also have contributed to this outcome. The direct correlation between mental health well-being and physical health shows a significant lack of healthy behaviors and physical activity. In general, physical activity at least three times a week for 30 minutes reduces stress, depression, and feelings of anxiety. Therefore, the purpose of the present study aims to explore the implications of both social media use and exercise in individuals’ psychological well-being during the pandemic. A survey was distributed to college students over two years to examine how exercise and social media levels are related to mental health and anxiety. One hundred ninety-eight college students participated in the Year-I study and 154 students in the Year-II study. Overall results showed physical exercise is related to lower levels of anxiety. The detailed results with other variables will be shared at the GCSU Research Day event.
Exercise and Social-Media in Relation to Mental Health During the Pandemic
The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people's mental and physical health. It took a significant toll on the physical well-being of many, as well as changed aspects of everyday lifestyles. The pandemic has forced people to stay inside, work from home, and ultimately become sedentary and isolated. It has been the cause of significant public health issues with physical inactivity among adults and adolescents, and increasing use of social media (Nagamalar, et al. 2021). Furthermore, reports have shown a significant increase in severe depression and anxiety due to feeling stuck and inactive (Gestsdottir, et al. 2021). The increase in social media use may also have contributed to this outcome. The direct correlation between mental health well-being and physical health shows a significant lack of healthy behaviors and physical activity. In general, physical activity at least three times a week for 30 minutes reduces stress, depression, and feelings of anxiety. Therefore, the purpose of the present study aims to explore the implications of both social media use and exercise in individuals’ psychological well-being during the pandemic. A survey was distributed to college students over two years to examine how exercise and social media levels are related to mental health and anxiety. One hundred ninety-eight college students participated in the Year-I study and 154 students in the Year-II study. Overall results showed physical exercise is related to lower levels of anxiety. The detailed results with other variables will be shared at the GCSU Research Day event.