Redes sociais e depressão: um estudo estatístico sobre a percepção de bem-estar em estudantes universitários.

Abstract

Internet is an indispensable tool today, as it allows quick and easy access to various types of information, in addition to maintaining the links affected by the social networks. However, in many cases, when uncontrolled use is perceived, a dependency on the Internet occurs. The objective of the research was to investigate the correlation between indicators of Internet use and social networks and the presence of anxious and depressive symptoms in the student community of the American College of Technology (Fatec-AM). The prevalence of various indications of harmful use of the Internet was evaluated, as well as the participants' view of their use. There was no significant correlation between time spent on the Internet and the presence of anxious and depressive symptoms with BAI and BDI scores. Anxious and depressive symptoms were analyzed through the applied questionnaire and possible correlations. It was possible to verify the relationship of dependence of social networks with the perception of loneliness. In addition, the negative relationship of perception of the loneliness variable with self-esteem was verified, that is, the higher the perception of loneliness, the lower the self-esteem. In conclusion, without the context analyzed, an internet is not harmful in itself, but can be used as a pathological state, with serious consequences for users who are seen in fragile situations and use the Internet to avoid problems. Therefore, it can be guaranteed as psychometric qualities of the instruments and it can be verified that the virtual contacts do not yet supply the need for previous relief.