The paper explores the complex links between mental health, social media and loneliness among students. Empirical studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews focusing on university/college students aged 18–25 were included for the review. This paper highlights how problematic social media use paradoxically deepens loneliness and emotional distress. It emphasizes that simplistic or one-size-fits-all approaches are inadequate in a digital landscape marked by rapid technological innovation and diverse student backgrounds. It also revealed how cultural contexts influence the relationship between digital engagement and emotional well-being, highlighting the need for integrated frameworks that account for both individual and societal factors.