The Relationship between Psychological Stress and the Utilization of Social Media as a Coping Mechanism of Gr.12 Students of Gen. Pantaleon Garcia Senior High School Sy. 2018-2019

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Faced with new responsibilities, challenges and pressure with their studies, an increasing number of young people are developing psychological stress. Because of that, numerous students find various ways to cope with their stress, one of which is social media. Although social media, is generally marketed as a mode of communication and a platform to create and share content online, it is known to have negative consequences to the students, which is why it is dubbed as a "double-edged sword". In this study, the researchers generally aim to identify the significant relationship between psychological stress and social media use of students.

METHODS

This study used a quantitative correlational research design. Systematic random sampling was utilized. 150 respondents were accumulated from Gr. 12 students of GPGSHS, which then answered a Likert-scale form of a questionnaire. The researchers chose this type of instrument because it is quick and provides precise and definite responses.

RESULTS

The possible reasons why students experience being psychologically stressed were classified into personal, academic and environmental factors. Among the given factors, 112 out of 150 or 74.67% of the respondents classified academic workload as the cause of their stress, making it the prevailing factor for students to be psychologically stressed. Positive and negative effects of social media to the academic and personal relationships of the students were also assessed. With an average mean of 2.9%, the results revealed that the ability of social media to connect students to their long-distance family and friends is a positive effect for the students. Meanwhile, a large number of students agreed that relationships formed online are difficult to maintain. Garnering an average mean of 2.7%, it became the leading negative effect of social media. In conclusion, contrary to all the negative connotations associated with it, obtaining an average mean of 2.9% showed that students perceive using social media as a pleasant rest -it makes them feel less tense, allows them to unwind, and relaxes them.

DISCUSSIONS

The result of this research conducted entails that the utilization of social media as a coping mechanism by the students are used to parry from the stress they felt. The lack of a number of accessible respondents affected the accuracy of the claimed findings. To obtain valid facts, the researchers suggest furthering the scope of the research.