Influence of Social Media on the Rate of Mental Health Among Undergraduates of University of Nigeria Nsukka.

This study investigates the influence of social media on suicide rates among undergraduates at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), emphasizing the dual impact of these platforms as both beneficial and harmful. Using a descriptive survey research design, the study examines how social media usage correlates with mental health issues such as depression, cyberbullying, body image dissatisfaction, and suicide contagion. The research targets a population of 35,130 undergraduate students, from which a sample size of 380 was determined using the Australian sample size calculator. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, incorporating stratified and simple random sampling to ensure fair representation across faculties. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire consisting of 20 closed-ended questions and analyzed using the mean (X) method, with a cutoff value of 2.5 to determine significant findings. Reliability was assessed through a pre-test involving 20 respondents, while validity was ensured through expert review by the researcher’s supervisor. The findings highlight the role of social media in exacerbating mental health challenges among vulnerable youth while also identifying strategies for promoting healthier engagement. The study concludes with recommendations for mitigating social media-related mental health crises, offering insights for students, educators, and policymakers. The key words are: influence, rate of suicide, social media,, suicide, undergraduates, university of Nigeria.