The Influence of Social Media on the Mental Health of Jamaicans: A Review
Paul Andrew Bourne*, Nicola Brown and Feliciano Thorpe
ABSTRACT
Social media usage has become a pervasive element of contemporary life in Jamaica, shaping interpersonal communication, identity formation, and cultural expression. While platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok offer avenues for community engagement, they also present risks to psychological well-being. This review examines the extant literature on social media’s influence on the mental health of Jamaicans, synthesising findings from empirical studies, theoretical perspectives, and especially the contributions of Paul Andrew Bourne and colleagues on digital communication, social dynamics, and psychosocial outcomes. Primary themes include anxiety, depression, self-esteem, cyberbullying, body image concerns, addictive patterns of use, and the role of cultural context in moderating psychological impacts. The review highlights directions for research, public health policy, and culturally sensitive interventions aimed at safeguarding youth and adult mental health in an increasingly digitalised Jamaican society.
