Introduction

In today's world, platforms such as Twitter and Facebook have become valuable tools both in our personal and professional lives. These social media platforms provide numerous opportunities for individuals to connect with others and express themselves, ranging from browsing Instagram feeds to sharing updates on Facebook. Recent studies indicate the existence of a potentially negative relationship between using social media as a consumer or producer and depression. While a direct relationship between the two does not exist, recent research indicates that the excessive time spent on these platforms may contribute to the emergence of negative emotions such as feelings of isolation, unworthiness, and diminished self-esteem. These emotional states are recognized as risk factors for the development of depression (Best et al., 2019).

Consistent with the concept of the social media paradox, social media usage has been found to make us less happy and less connected, resulting in adverse impacts on our mental health. According to Keleş et al. (2019), the social media paradox refers to a notable phenomenon whereby individuals perceive a heightened sense of connectedness through social media platforms, while in real life they are experiencing elevated levels of loneliness compared to previous eras. Social media serves as a platform for individuals to connect with their acquaintances and loved ones, share their personal experiences, and remain informed about the most recent news and trends. Notwithstanding the potential benefits of enhanced connectivity, empirical evidence suggests that the overuse of social media platforms is associated with heightened experiences of seclusion and desolation. While social media platforms provide a means of connecting with individuals from various parts of the globe, they are often unable to replicate the level of profundity and genuineness that is inherent in face-to-face interactions (Twenge et al., 2018). Despite the presence of numerous online acquaintances, individuals often experience a profound sense of isolation and yearn for genuine interpersonal relationships.