Contagion: Scientific Periodical Journal of Public Health and Coastal Health
Vol 8, No 1 (2026): CONTAGION

Correlations of Social Interaction and Digital Media Use With Mental Health Among Urban Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study

Siti Jumhati (Universitas Mohammad Husni Thamrin)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Mar 2026

Abstract

Digital platforms are now central to adolescents' daily routines, yet their mental-health implications may reflect both online engagement and offline relationships. This cross-sectional study examined associations between social interaction, digital media use, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among urban adolescents in Jakarta, Indonesia. One hundred high-school students (13-18 years) were recruited purposively and completed structured Likert-type measures of social interaction and digital media indicators; mental health was assessed using DASS-21. Pearson correlation was applied (α=0.05). Nearly half of participants (48%) reported social media use exceeding five hours/day, and TikTok was the most frequently used platform (58%). At least moderate symptoms were reported by 64% for depression, 80% for anxiety, and 46% for stress. Longer daily use and higher perceived media pressure/self-perception influence were positively associated with higher DASS-21 scores (p<0.01 for duration). Conclusion: Offline social interaction and digital media engagement were both statistically related to adolescent mental-health symptoms, highlighting the need for school- and family-based support, digital literacy, and healthier online habits. Keyword: Adolescents Mental health, Social Interaction, Digital media, Social media

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

contagion

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Public Health

Description

Contagion: Scientific Periodical Journal of Public Health and Coastal Health, A Scientific Periodic Journal of Public Health published by the Public health Study Program of The Faculty of Public Health UINSU Medan. This Journal prioritiez the collaboration of lecturers and students with scope of the ...