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Nygaard M, Andersen TO, Rod NH. Can social connections become stressful? Exploring the link between social media use and perceived stress in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of 25,053 adults. J Ment Health 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38545943 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2024.2332802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media has become a dominant part of daily lives for many, but excessive use may lead to an experience of stress. Only relatively few studies have investigated social media's influence on mental health. AIMS We aimed to investigate whether social media use is associated with perceived stress and changes in perceived stress over 18 months. METHODS The study population consisted of 25,053 adults (mean age 42.8; 62% women) from the SmartSleep Study. Self-reported frequency of social media use, of 10 specific social media platforms, and of perceived stress (the Perceived Stress Scale 4 item) was obtained at baseline and 18-months follow-up (N = 1745). The associations were evaluated at baseline and follow-up using multiple linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS Compared to non-use, high social media use (at least every second hour) was associated with a slightly higher perceived stress level at baseline. No association was found between the frequency of social media use and changes in perceived stress during follow-up. Only small differences in these associations were noted across social media platforms. CONCLUSIONS Further studies are needed to comprehensively explore the relationship between excessive social media use and mental health, recognizing different characteristics across social media platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Nygaard
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thea Otte Andersen
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Naja Hulvej Rod
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Bhatiasevi V. The uses and gratifications of social media and their impact on social relationships and psychological well-being. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1260565. [PMID: 38501079 PMCID: PMC10944947 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1260565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to find the antecedents that lead to the adoption of social media among adults and older adults in Thailand and the impact it has on their social relationships and psychological well-being. It puts forward the uses and gratifications theory focusing on purposive value, self-discovery, entertainment value, social enhancement, and maintaining interpersonal connectivity. A survey comprising of 1,176 participants was undertaken in Bangkok, Thailand. The results of the structural equation modeling show that purposive value, entertainment value, social enhancement, and maintaining interpersonal connectivity had a positive relationship with social media usage, while self-discovery showed a negative relationship. Social media use seemed to positively affect both the social relationships and psychological well-being of their users. The discussions and conclusions included here describe how this occurs, as well as the academic and practical implications that follow from them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veera Bhatiasevi
- Mahidol University International College, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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3
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Montag C, Müller M, Pontes HM, Elhai JD. On fear of missing out, social networks use disorder tendencies and meaning in life. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:358. [PMID: 37884983 PMCID: PMC10601113 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01342-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Much research has been conducted on the association between social networks use disorder tendencies (SNUD; i.e. problematic social media use) and well-being. In more detail, a meta-analysis and further research suggest an inverse association between higher SNUD tendencies and lower well-being. In existing studies on social media use and well-being, this association has often been investigated by asking participants about their life satisfaction and/or emotional well-being. A path that has only recently been used to shed further light on SNUD tendencies is the assessment of meaning in life. Against this background, the present study aimed to investigate both the search for and presence of meaning in life in the context of SNUD tendencies in 955 participants. To the best of our knowledge and beyond what has been mentioned, this study is the first to investigate the links between meaning in life variables and state/trait fear of missing out (FoMO), with FoMO being a critical variable known to be linked to the overuse of digital technologies. In a structural equation model, we observed that associations between FoMO and meaning in life variables was mediated by SNUD tendencies. Although the present study is of cross-cultural nature and cannot establish causality, it might be the case that proneness to FoMO might trigger SNUD tendencies and as a consequence, results in more search for meaning in life, while hindering presence of meaning in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Montag
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Helmholtzstr. 8/1, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Marko Müller
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Helmholtzstr. 8/1, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Halley M Pontes
- School of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Jon D Elhai
- Department of Psychology and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
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4
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Hamilton JL, Dreier MJ, Boyd SI. Social media as a bridge and a window: The changing relationship of adolescents with social media and digital platforms. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 52:101633. [PMID: 37454640 PMCID: PMC10526977 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Social media use became central to adolescents' lives and development during the COVID-19 pandemic, with some adolescents first initiating social media use in this period. The unique circumstances of the pandemic contributed to changing patterns of social media use among teens and popularity of features. The pandemic also facilitated use and engagement with social media to strengthen social connection, emerging identities, and access to information and resources. It also impacted teens' online experiences and exposure to broader societal problems on SM. Recent research, with a focus in the United States, is presented on how the pandemic has shaped adolescents' experiences with social media in meaningful ways across development. We argue that research on adolescent social media use needs to consider how the COVID-19 pandemic has shaped the use and influence of social media in adolescents today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Hamilton
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, United States.
| | - Melissa J Dreier
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, United States
| | - Simone I Boyd
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, United States
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5
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McCrosky JD, Parry DA, Sewall CJR, Orben A. Using Browser Data to Understand Desires to Spend Time Online. TECHNOLOGY, MIND, AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 4:10.1037/tmb0000095. [PMID: 37251306 PMCID: PMC10210828 DOI: 10.1037/tmb0000095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
There is growing recognition that many people feel the need to regulate their use of the internet and other digital technologies to support their wellbeing. In this study, we used Mozilla Firefox browser telemetry to investigate the role played by various usage factors in desires to regulate time spent online. In particular, we investigated how six metrics pertaining to time spent on the internet, and the diversity and intensity of use, predict participants' (n = 8,094) desires to spend more or less time online. Across all six metrics, we did not find evidence for a relationship between browser usage metrics and participants wanting to spend more or less time online. This finding was robust across various analytical pathways. The study highlights a number of considerations and concerns that need to be addressed in future industry-academia collaborations that draw on trace data or usage telemetry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Douglas A Parry
- Department of Information Science, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | | | - Amy Orben
- Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, UK
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6
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Purboningsih ER, Massar K, Hinduan ZR, Agustiani H, Ruiter RAC, Verduyn P. Perception and use of social media by Indonesian adolescents and parents: A qualitative study. Front Psychol 2023; 13:985112. [PMID: 36687903 PMCID: PMC9849963 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.985112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Social media are popular among adolescents worldwide, including the global South. The way adolescents use social media is influenced by their own perception of social media but also by how their parents use and perceive social media. This study aims to understand how Indonesian young adolescents (12-15 years old) and parents of adolescents use and perceive social media. For this purpose, we conducted eight focus group discussions and eight semi-structured interviews with 30 Indonesian adolescents and 15 Indonesian parents. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data reveals that both adolescents and parents use social media for social, practical, and pleasure activities. Most adolescents mention that they consider themselves skilled in using social media, while parents consider themselves less skilled. Both adolescents and parents mention that social media offer benefits for adolescents, including emotional, social, and practical benefits. However, adolescents and parents also mention the risks of social media use for adolescents, including social, emotional, and informational risks, as well as the displacement of more meaningful activities. As such, both adolescents and parents do not perceive social media as inherently good or bad but rather as a novel medium that offers benefits for adolescents but also involves several risks to be considered by parents and other relevant stakeholders. This study adds to our understanding of social media use in the global South and offers a theoretical basis for future studies on the impact of adolescents' social media usage on wellbeing in an Indonesian context. However, future research is necessary to depict possible differences in social media use between Indonesia and other countries in the global South.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eka Riyanti Purboningsih
- Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Karlijn Massar
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Robert A. C. Ruiter
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Philippe Verduyn
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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A longitudinal investigation on problematic Facebook use, psychological distress and well-being during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21828. [PMID: 36528751 PMCID: PMC9758466 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26281-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The social isolation and the subsequent, increased use of Social Networking Sites due to the COVID-19 pandemic have had an impact on subjective well-being around the world. The present longitudinal study examined whether changes in psychological distress and well-being during the Italian second wave of the pandemic differ among people with different levels of Problematic Facebook Use (PFU). A total of 493 participants (Mage = 24.55 ± 7.25; 80.3% females) completed measures of passive use of Facebook, social comparison orientation on Facebook, fear of missing out, psychological distress (depressive symptoms and fear of COVID-19 pandemic) and well-being across three waves. Latent class analysis (LCA) categorized participants into three groups with different PFU levels: healthy users, moderate PFU users, and high PFU users. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) showed that the between-person level (class membership) accounted for most of the variability in psychological distress and well-being. No significant changes were found in psychological distress and well-being over time, but the High PFU users showed greater levels of psychological distress and lower levels of well-being at each time point. The findings of this study suggest that the relationship between PFU, psychological distress and well-being may reflect trait-like time-invariant differences between individuals rather than state-like changes.
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Advancing Our Understanding of the Associations Between Social Media Use and Well-Being. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 47:101357. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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9
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Valkenburg PM. Social media use and well-being: What we know and what we need to know. Curr Opin Psychol 2021; 45:101294. [PMID: 35016087 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Research into the impact of social media use (SMU) on well-being (e.g., happiness) and ill-being (e.g., depression) has exploded over the past few years. From 2019 to August 2021, 27 reviews have been published: nine meta-analyses, nine systematic reviews, and nine narrative reviews, which together included hundreds of empirical studies. The aim of this umbrella review is to synthesize the results of these meta-analyses and reviews. Even though the meta-analyses are supposed to rely on the same evidence base, they yielded disagreeing associations with well- and ill-being, especially for time spent on SM, active SMU, and passive SMU. This umbrella review explains why their results disagree, summarizes the gaps in the literature, and ends with recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patti M Valkenburg
- Amsterdam School of Communication Research, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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