Mídias sociais e saúde mental no cenário pós-pandêmico: a atividade física como fator mediador e de proteção

Abstract

The present study aimed to analyze the influence of the use of social media on mental health in the post-pandemic context, having as an empirical field, participants of the CUCA Network, in Fortaleza, Ceará. The main objective was to understand how the use of social media has repercussions on mental health, considering physical activity as a mediating element and protective factor in this process. As specific objectives, it was sought to identify social, demographic and economic factors; describe the patterns of use of social networks; analyze the perceived biopsychosocial changes; and propose education and health strategies aimed at the conscious use of social media. This is a qualitative research, exploratory and cross-sectional in nature. The sample was composed of participants aged 18 years or older, living in the Barra do Ceará neighborhood and frequent attendees of the CUCA Network. The collection instruments included an online questionnaire (Google Forms®) and a focus group composed of 12 participants. The data were analyzed with the help of Clipto.AI ® (transcription) and NVivo® software, according to the Content Analysis technique, in the thematic modality, according to Braun and Clarke (2006). The theoretical framework integrated the Theory of Use and Gratifications (U&G), the Theory of Social Comparison and the Theory of Self-determination, enabling the understanding of the motivations for use, the impacts of exposure to idealized content and the quality of motivation in virtual interactions and in the practice of physical activities. The analysis resulted in five thematic categories: (1) affective behavioral (addictions and routines), (2) social-emotional (vulnerability and comparison), (3) bodily-perceptions (image and habits), (4) social circle (relationships and security), and (5) information and content (exposure and trivialization). The results indicated that the intensive use of social media is associated with digital addiction, information fatigue, frustration due to social comparison, and trivialization of violent content. On the other hand, positive aspects were evidenced, such as the expansion of connections, the strengthening of belonging, socialization and personal expression, configuring an ambivalent dynamic between connection and isolation. It is concluded that the promotion of mental health in the post-pandemic scenario requires intersectoral strategies that articulate education, sport and communication, encouraging the conscious use of media and strengthening protective factors, with emphasis on the regular practice of physical activity as a strategy to mitigate the negative impacts of the intensive use of social media. The study contributes to the field of Collective Health by subsidizing policies and practices aimed at promoting mental health in contexts of social vulnerability.