online social capital contribution to mental health: a cross-sectional study

Background: declining student mental health is a growing concern, with over 60% of college students experiencing mental health issues, such as depression, exacerbated by the covid-19 pandemic. social capital is known to buffer against mental health challenges by promoting connection and support. this study aimed to examine the latent construct of online social capital in the context of covid-19 and further test the relationship between multidimensional online social capital and mental health among university students at shiraz university.methods: a quantitative study was conducted with 600 students at shiraz university. data were collected using questionnaires measuring online social capital (number of networks, usage, and activity level) and mental health. likert scales were used, with lower scores indicating better mental health. statistical analyses included pearson correlation coefficient, path analysis, and regression analysis.results: a significant negative correlation was found between online social networks (r=-0.137, p<0.05) and mental health, suggesting that higher engagement in these networks is linked to better mental health. trust (r=-0.129, p<0.05) and social support (r=-0.027, p<0.05) within online networks showed negative correlations with mental health, indicating that increased trust and support are associated with improved mental health. path analysis revealed that all dimensions of online social capital influence mental health, with trust and social support identified as the strongest predictors.conclusion: the research underscores the importance of universities fostering online social networks and initiatives to enhance student mental health by cultivating social support and trust. increased engagement in online social networks, along with higher levels of trust and social support, is linked to improved mental well-being among university students.