Tiktok and Instagram Lifestyle Posts and the Mental Health of Young Women in Southeast Nigeria: Effects and Mitigation Strategies From Experts' Perspectives
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study explores the psychological effects of TikTok and Instagram lifestyle contents on young women in SoutheastNigeria, particularly in the context of the pressures created by social media influencers and curated posts. Given thegrowing popularity of these platforms, the research aims to identify how exposure to lifestyle content influencesmental health, including issues such as body image dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It also seeks to understand the recommendations from mental health professionals on mitigating these effects. Through in-depth interviews with ten psychotherapists from the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, key themes emerged regarding the extent of social media exposure, the psychological impacts, and coping mechanisms. Findings indicate that social media platforms, especially TikTok and Instagram, play a significant role in shaping young women’s self-image, often leading to unrealistic expectations and comparison with influencers. The resulting psychological distress manifests in anxiety, depression, and body dissatisfaction. Experts recommended strategies such as limiting screentime, promoting social media literacy, and fostering self-awareness to help mitigate these effects. Furthermore, whilesome young women have found financial independence and social validation through content creation, the negativepsychological impact remains significant. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions, includingeducation on the harmful effects of social media and support systems for young women in Southeast Nigeria, to reducethe mental health risks associated with excessive exposure to lifestyle content on TikTok and Instagram.
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7157792012