Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Health Promotion Perspectives 2228-6497 12 1 2022 05 29 Problematic versus reflective use: Types of social media use as determinants of mental health among young Filipino undergraduates 85 91 10.34172/hpp.2022.11 EN Jerome Visperas Cleofas https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9203-0212 Julienne Celina Sicat Dayrit Blulean Terosa Albao Journal Article 10.34172/hpp.2022.11 2022 01 17 2022 04 02 Background: The link between problematic social media use (SMU) and mental health among youth has been established. However, there is insufficient information on how mental health is influenced by COVID-19 pandemic-related changes and positive aspects of SMU. This study aims to determine the relationship of pandemic-related changes in SMU, and two types of SMU (problematic and reflective use) with mental health among young Filipino undergraduates. Methods: A total of 1087 Filipino undergraduates aged 18 to 30 years old participated in this cross-sectional study. Data collection via online survey was conducted in August 2021. Results: Findings indicate the significant association between the perceived changes in SMU and mental health among respondents (P<0.001). In terms of type of use, results suggest that students who demonstrate lower problematic SMU (B=-0.608, P<0.001, 95% CI=-0.955 – -0.259) and higher reflective SMU (B=3.524, P<0.001, 95% CI=2.051– 4.895) had higher mental wellbeing. Moreover, poorer mental wellbeing was observed among females and LGBTQ+ respondents with poorer internet quality (P<0.05). Conclusion: Mental health among young Filipino undergraduates is influenced by pandemic-related changes and types of SMU. With the increasing necessity of social media amid the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health practitioners and advocates can increase their visibility online to promote reflective SMU as a protective factor against mental health decline.