The Effects of Social Media on Spinal Health

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of extended social media use on spinal health, concentrating on physical factors. It aims to assess the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine, among university students. The study involved 384 health sciences students from various universities. A self-administered questionnaire on demographic data and social media usage was distributed via social media from December 11-16, 2024. Data were analysed using SPSS, focusing on descriptive statistics to summarize participant demographics and social media impact on pain. The data reveals significant trends in social media usage, user engagement, and associated health issues. Facebook leads with 71% of users, followed by Instagram at 44%, and TikTok at 35%. Other platforms like Snap (25%) and Telegram (11%) see moderate use, while Twitter (4%) and WhatsApp (3%) have lower engagement. Notably, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Netflix each have less than 1% user activity. In terms of daily usage, nearly 49% of users spend over 4 hours online, indicating a trend towards significant digital engagement. Mobile devices dominate access at 98%, reflecting a shift away from computers. Health-wise, 67% of individuals report neck or back pain, with moderate pain being the most common. Neck pain is particularly prevalent, likely linked to sedentary lifestyles. Only 35% of respondents have taken measures to alleviate this discomfort, suggesting a lack of awareness about managing the negative effects of prolonged social media use. Common actions include changing sitting positions (46%) and exercising (13%). This data underscores the need for greater awareness and proactive measures to address the physical impacts of social media usage. The results highlight significant social media trends, with Facebook leading in user engagement. Nearly half of users spend over four hours online daily, predominantly via mobile devices. Health concerns, particularly neck pain, indicate a need for greater awareness and proactive measures to mitigate discomfort.