Social Overload: Social Media Use and Mental Health in Myanmar

In conflict-affected Myanmar, social media is a lifeline, but also a growing source of psychological harm. This study examines how exposure to political news, crisis-related posts, and violent content on platforms like Facebook and Telegram affects users’ mental health. Drawing on interviews with both key informants and general users from non-conflict areas, the research reveals a clear link between heavy social media use and increased stress, depression, and guilt.

Participants described feelings of helplessness, emotional overload, and guilt—especially after viewing graphic posts about mass killings, family loss, and human rights abuses. While some rely on social media to stay informed and connected, many feel emotionally exhausted and overwhelmed. Others see it as manageable: something they can step away from when needed.

The study finds a strong connection between high exposure to violent content and worsening mental health. It calls for urgent action from social media platforms, regulators, and mental health professionals to reduce the psychological toll of unchecked violent content—particularly in conflict zones like Myanmar.

This study is part of the Myanmar Digital Research series published by Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM) with support from International Development Research Centre and The SecDev Foundation.