Ameliorating Depression Anxiety and Stress Caused by Social Media Among Young Women: Procedural and Technological Responses

Abstract

Young women aged between 16–24 are often severely affected by social media, causing them to become depressed, anxious and stressful. The current procedural and technological responses to depression, anxiety and stress (DAS) are not directly targeting young women, even though one in four experience symptoms of common mental health conditions. Furthermore, there are limited studies on DAS among women of this age group. Following the design science research methodology, conceptual and system artefacts are created and explored to improve current responses to ameliorate DAS caused by social media for young women in this paper. We propose the Happiness App as a solution that caters to young women negatively affected by social media. These artefacts are evaluated using the V-model framework. Our findings reinforce that social media is an environment which could create DAS among young women. Difficulties emerge when individuals attempt to break their habit of using social media. Individuals, organizations and governments are all accountable in ensuring that social media is a safe space for all.

Keywords: Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Social media, Young women, Social network, Happiness App