TikTok use and psychosocial factors among adolescents: Comparisons of non-users, moderate users, and addictive users

Psychological education in higher education: Opportunities and challenges in the Internet+ era

In the context of "Internet+," the rapid development and integration of information technology in China have brought new opportunities and challenges to psychological education in higher education. Compared with traditional psychological education, the high information throughput and multichannel presentation of "Internet+" have altered students’ cognitive characteristics. Consequently, traditional psychological education methods are no longer suitable for the current environment, and education methods pose new challenges for higher education. New media technologies within the "Internet+" framework have played a crucial role in psychological education. Further research is needed to explore new applications for enhancing the quality of psychological education in higher education institutions. This paper reviews the current opportunities and challenges faced by psychological education in the context of "Internet+", and explores a mechanism-driven, collaborative, and efficient educational strategy that is responsive to new conditions.

Understanding problematic TikTok use: A systematic review of emerging diagnostic and therapeutic implications in clinical psychology

TikTok's rapid rise has spurred concerns about its potential to cause problematic use behaviors, which some consider akin to addiction. This systematic review seeks to understand the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of TikTok use within the scope of clinical psychology. From September 15, 2023 to March 30, 2024 a systematic review was conducted to investigate whether this new pathological condition can be recognized as a behavioral addiction. We searched the following databases for relevant studies: PubMed, National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), PsycINFO, MDPI, Frontiers in Psychology, ScienceDirect, and ReserchGate. We identified a total of 294 unique articles. 45 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and only 21 of these met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final systematic review. We identified factors like salience, craving, and abstinence related to problematic TikTok use, confirming its potential risk as a behavioral addiction. Currently, there are neither established guidelines, nor an acceptable number of clinical cases, to determine the inclusion of TikTok addiction within an official classification. Additional considerations include the assessed target population, geographical differences, and the lack of specific treatments or interventions. Our study confirms that problematic TikTok use must be considered an addiction both for the considerable risk it entails and for its developmental trajectory. Through the analysis of the included studies, we confirmed elevated levels of salience, abstinence, tolerance, craving, excessive use, desire to control consumption, and alterations in daily life habits associated with problematic TikTok use.

Association Between TikTok Use and Anxiety, Depression, and Sleepiness Among Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study in Greece

INTRODUCTION

TikTok use is increasing, especially among children and adolescents. However, the negative effects of TikTok use have not been sufficiently investigated.

AIM

To examine the association between TikTok use and anxiety, depression, and sleepiness in adolescents.

METHODS

We conducted a web-based cross-sectional study in Greece. We employed a convenience sample of 219 adolescents in Greece. All participants had a TikTok account. We used the TikTok Addiction Scale (TTAS) to measure TikTok use and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) to measure anxiety and depression. We constructed multivariable regression models, and we performed a stratified analysis according to gender.

RESULTS

The mean age was 18.5 years (standard deviation: 0.5, range: 18 to 19). In our sample, 81.3% were girls and 18.7% were boys. Mean daily TikTok usage and TTAS scores were statistically higher for girls than for boys. Our multivariable linear regression analysis was adjusted for age and showed that problematic TikTok use was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms in both genders. In particular, we found a positive association between mood modification and anxiety score (beta = 0.404, p-value = 0.006). Moreover, we found a positive association between conflict and depression score (beta = 0.472, p-value < 0.001). Additionally, we found that the impact of TikTok on anxiety and depression was greater among boys than girls. We also found that problematic TikTok use was associated with increased sleepiness in both genders (mood modification: beta = 0.655, p-value < 0.001; conflict: beta = 0.674, p-value < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed a positive association between TikTok use and anxiety, depression, and sleepiness. Early identification of problematic TikTok users is essential to promote their mental health and well-being. Healthcare professionals should be alert to recognize symptoms of problematic TikTok use.

Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Short-Form Video Addiction and Adolescent Depression: The Mediating Role of Attentional Bias

Previous studies have shown that short-form video addiction (SVA) is a significant predictor of adolescent depression. However, little is known about the mediating mechanisms. Guided by the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution model, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between SVA and depression among Chinese adolescents and to examine the mediating role of attentional bias toward positive information (API) and negative information (ANI), including potential gender differences. A total of 4750 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 16.01, SD = 0.76, 62.15 percent male) completed self-reported scales for SVA, API, ANI, and depression. The structural equation modeling results indicated that both API and ANI mediated the relationship between SVA and depression. Moreover, multigroup analyses revealed that the mediating effect of ANI was significantly stronger in female than in male adolescents. These findings enhance our understanding of the relationship between SVA and depression in adolescents and suggest that developing gender-specific interventions could mitigate the detrimental effects of SVA on depression.

The Association between Academic Stress and Problematic Internet Use among Adolescents: A Three-Level Meta-Analysis

Despite previous studies examining the relationship between problematic Internet use and academic stress in adolescents, significant limitations remain, especially in terms of the nature of the stress and moderators. This study systematically examines the association between academic stress and problematic Internet use in adolescents, using a three-level meta-analysis. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, it conducted a comprehensive database search including 49 studies, with 166 effect sizes and 189,483 adolescents. The results indicate a positive correlation between academic stress and problematic Internet use in adolescents. Additionally, moderation analysis revealed that both sources of academic stress and academic stress measurement tools significantly moderated the association. The association between mixed academic stress (intrapsychic and external stressors) and problematic Internet use was significantly stronger than that between external academic stress and problematic Internet use. The association was weaker when using the Academic Expectations Stress Inventory than other scales. These findings highlight that problematic Internet use is often an maladaptive coping strategy for adolescents under academic stress, and this behavior does not vary with the specific use of the Internet. However, it also suggests that under certain cultural contexts, external academic stress can be transformed into motivation for learning. This study deepens our understanding of how academic stress influences adolescent Internet use and underscores the need for improved measurement tools to capture the complexity of academic stress.

Short Made Them Powerful: Exploring Motivations and Problematic Uses of TikTok

The penetration of short-form content in daily life is undeniable. TikTok is one of the most popular and fastest-growing short-form video applications globally. This study examined the underlying motives for using TikTok and explored differences in psychological symptoms related to TikTok usage patterns (i.e., active vs. passive). A survey of 500 TikTok users identified six prominent reasons for engaging in TikTok. These are "information-seeking," "time-killing," "self-expression," "trend-seeking," "escapism," and "inspiration-seeking." In addition, the active use of TikTok was positively associated with dependency and addictive symptoms. The results contribute to the understanding of TikTok and other short-form videos by uncovering motives and demonstrating the distinguished outcomes of usage types.

Age Differences in the Associations Between Interpersonal Relationships and Short-Form Video Addiction Symptoms: A Network Analysis

Purpose

A considerable body of evidence indicated that interpersonal relationships were significantly associated with short-form video addiction (SFVA) among adolescents, but how they are related on a symptom level at different ages remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the central symptoms of SFVA and distinct associations between three primary interpersonal relationships (ie, teacher-student relationships, parent-child relationships, peer relationships) and SFVA symptoms in early and middle adolescence.

Participants and Methods

After completing scales of SFVA, teacher-student relationship, parent-child relationship and peer relationship in 2022, a sample of 1579 fourth-grade students (age range: 10-12; M age = 10.91, SD = 0.48; 38.6% females) and 2229 eighth-grade students (age range: 13-15; M age = 14.82, SD = 0.36; 44.5% females) who were at high risk of SFVA were included in this study. A network analysis approach was conducted to analyze the data.

Results

SFVA3 hard to control and SFVA2 increasing time for satisfaction were the most central symptoms of SFVA in both early and middle adolescence. Among interpersonal relationships, teacher-student relationships and peer relationships were the most influential bridge nodes that exerted the largest impact on SFVA in early and middle adolescence, respectively. Comparison of the networks indicated no significant differences in overall network structures, global strength and most edge connections between early and middle adolescence.

Conclusion

These findings uncover the interconnections between heterogeneous SFVA symptoms and underscore the unique importance of teacher-student relationships and peer relationships on SFVA in different stages of adolescence, which can be harnessed in the design of future preventive interventions.

Adolescent short video addiction in China: unveiling key growth stages and driving factors behind behavioral patterns

The proliferation of short video apps has brought to the forefront the issue of adolescent addiction, a challenge that resonates across Chinese society. Despite growing attention, a comprehensive understanding of the factors propelling addiction at various adolescent stages and its impact on academic performance remains scarce. This study aims to fill this void by identifying key growth stages and crafting targeted intervention strategies. Our investigation engaged 1,896 Chinese students, averaging 15 years old, at pivotal educational junctures. Employing a mixed-method approach, we utilized interviews and surveys, enhanced by fixed effects models and instrumental variables, to discern patterns in short video addiction. The study revealed stage-specific catalysts for addiction: social identity in junior high, academic stress in senior high, and personality traits in university students. A concerning trend was the double and triple rate of severe addiction among senior high students compared to their junior high and university counterparts, respectively, with a peak of 52.7% mild addiction in university. Our predictive model provides a holistic perspective on the drivers of addiction. This groundbreaking analysis delineates the complex interplay of adolescent short video addiction in China, under-scoring its profound implications for academic progression in senior high. The findings under-score the urgent need for tailored interventions to counteract the adverse effects of addiction.

Evaluating the Quality and Reliability of Total Knee Arthroplasty Rehabilitation Exercises on the Social Media Platform TikTok

Background

The utilization of social media for health-related purposes has surged, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. TikTok, a short-form video platform, has seen substantial growth, becoming a prominent medium for health information dissemination. However, the lack of regulation poses challenges in evaluating the validity of TikTok content.

Methods

This cross-sectional study assesses TikTok videos related to total knee arthroplasty rehabilitation exercises. Search terms identified 84 videos, with 64 meeting the inclusion criteria. Engagement metrics and quality scores were analyzed, utilizing the DISCERN tool and the Total Knee Replacement Exercises Education Score.

Results

The analyzed videos accumulated nearly 6 million views, with a median of 10,293.5 (interquartile range = 4139.3-26,100.0). Health-care professionals contributed 48% of the content. Despite higher engagement metrics for health-care professional videos, the overall quality, as indicated by DISCERN and Total Knee Replacement Exercises Education scores, remained poor. No videos achieved an "excellent" rating, with the majority categorized as "poor."

Conclusions

This study underscores TikTok's substantial role in total knee arthroplasty rehabilitation information dissemination but reveals a critical deficit in content quality and reliability. Health-care professionals marginally outperformed general users but displayed overall inadequacy. The study emphasizes the necessity for improving the quality of health-related content on emerging social media platforms, especially within the realm of orthopaedic surgery.

Level of Evidence

Level III, Cross-sectional study.

Screen exposure, mental health and emotional well-being in the adolescent population: is it time for governments to take action

During the last decade, a multitude of epidemiological studies with different designs have been published assessing the association between the use of digital media and psychological well-being, including the incidence of mental disorders and suicidal behaviours. Particularly, available research has very often focused on smartphone use in teenagers, with highly addictive potential, coining the term 'problematic smartphone use' and developing specific scales to measure the addictive or problematic use of smartphones. Available studies, despite some methodological limitations and gaps in knowledge, suggest that higher screen time is associated with impaired psychological well-being, lower self-esteem, higher levels of body dissatisfaction, higher incidence of eating disorders, poorer sleeping outcomes and higher odds of depressive symptoms in adolescents. Moreover, a significant association has also been found between screen time and higher suicide risk. Finally, problematic pornography has been shown to be highly prevalent and it is a strong cause of concern to many public health departments and national governments because it might be eventually associated with aggressive sexual behaviours.

Exploring the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Narrative Review

Social media use is ubiquitous to the lives of children and adolescents. The body of research investigating its potential impact on mental health has risen exponentially. We systematically reviewed the present literature exploring potential linkages between social media use and symptoms of depression and anxiety in this vulnerable group. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses framework, articles were searched across Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases from inception to February 2024. Quantitative studies with social media as exposure and anxiety/depressive symptoms as outcomes in children and adolescents 5-18 years of age were included. Of the 4850 studies retrieved, 67 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The most frequent measures of social media were "time spent on social media" and "frequency of use." Depressive symptoms were the outcome of 61 studies, whereas anxiety was measured in 27 studies. Most studies were of fair quality (n = 53). A meta-analysis was not possible due to study heterogeneity. Our review shows that (1) problematic social media use is associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents, (2) duration of social media use was more consistently linked with anxiety and depression in girls compared with boys, and (3) mediating and moderating mechanisms were sleep deprivation, social comparison, and feedback-seeking behaviors, exercise, social support, and type of social media use. Qualitative work and robust large-scale longitudinal observations using a person-specific approach are needed to further our understanding of the impact of social media use on depression and anxiety in children and adolescents.

Effects of short video addiction on college students' physical activity: the chain mediating role of self-efficacy and procrastination

Introduction

Excessive use of short video applications can adversely affect the physical and mental health of college students. At present, regarding the effect of short video addiction on physical exercise, few scholars have studied the mechanism of action. This study aims to investigate the mechanism by which short video addiction impacts college students' physical exercise. Therefore, we investigated the correlation between short video addiction and physical activity, and examined the influence of self-efficacy and procrastination on this relationship.

Methods

In this research, 304 college students were selected as survey subjects. The questionnaires included Short Video Addiction Scale, Physical Activity Rating Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Short Version General Procrastination Scale. The data underwent correlation analysis using SPSS and mediation effect analysis using the PROCESS macro program.

Results

(1) 61.51% (187) of college students' physical activity was low exercise. (2) Physical activity was significantly negatively impacted by short video addiction. (3) Self-efficacy played an independent mediating role in the association between short video addiction and physical activity. (4) The association between short video addiction and physical activity was independently mediated by procrastination. (5) Self-efficacy and procrastination function as chain mediators in the association between short video addiction and physical activity.

Discussion

Our research identifies the role that self-efficacy and procrastination play in the connection between short video addiction and physical activity. Decreasing the utilization of short video applications and enhancing self-efficacy can reduce procrastination and improve physical activity for college student groups.

National trends in adolescents' mental health by income level in South Korea, pre- and post-COVID-19, 2006-2022

Despite the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on various factors related to adolescent mental health problems such as stress, sadness, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts, research on this topic has been insufficient to date. This study is based on the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey from 2006 to 2022. We analyzed the mental health problems of adolescents based on questionnaires with medical interviews, within five income groups and compared them with several risk factors. A total of 1,138,804 participants were included in this study, with a mean age (SD) of 15.01 (0.75) years. Of these, 587,256 were male (51.57%). In 2022, the recent period from the study, the weighted prevalence of stress in highest income group was 40.07% (95% CI, 38.67-41.48), sadness was 28.15% (26.82-29.48), suicidal ideation was 13.92% (12.87-14.97), and suicide attempts was 3.42% (2.90-3.93) while the weighted prevalence of stress in lowest income group was 62.77% (59.42-66.13), sadness was 46.83% (43.32-50.34), suicidal ideation was 31.70% (28.44-34.96), and suicide attempts was 10.45% (8.46-12.45). Lower income groups showed a higher proportion with several risk factors. Overall proportion had decreased until the onset of the pandemic. However, a significant increase has been found during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study showed an association between household income level and the prevalence of mental illness in adolescents. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental illness among adolescents from low household income level, underscoring the necessity for heightened public attention and measures targeted at this demographic.

Maternal and paternal harsh parenting and anxiety symptoms in Chinese adolescents: examining a multiple mediation model

BACKGROUND

Harsh parenting has been recognized as a risk factor for adolescent anxiety; however, the underlying mechanisms of this relationship remain unclear, and it is unknown whether this relationship is influenced by different parental roles and living arrangements. This study aimed to investigate the mediating mechanisms between harsh parenting and adolescent anxiety symptoms using a multiple mediation model and to further compare specific roles of harsh parenting and distinguish between the living arrangements.

METHODS

A total of 3505 adolescents completed this survey, and 3295 adolescents (54.7% girls, Mage = 14.97 years) were included in the study. Participants completed self-assessments measuring harsh parenting, self-efficacy, school connectedness, Internet addiction, sleep problems, and anxiety. They were categorized into three groups based on living arrangements: living with both parents, only with the mother, or only with the father.

RESULTS

Correlational analyses revealed that both maternal and paternal harsh parenting were associated with increased anxiety symptoms. Structural equation modeling (SEM) mediation analyses and multigroup analyses showed that the independent mediating effects of school connectedness, Internet addiction, and sleep problems, as well as the sequential mediating pathways involving self-efficacy → school connectedness, self-efficacy → Internet addiction, and self-efficacy → sleep problems, vary across the adolescents' living arrangements in the association between maternal and paternal harsh parenting and adolescent anxiety symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This study elucidated the mechanisms linking harsh parenting to adolescent anxiety symptoms and validated the effects of different parental roles and living arrangements. The findings provide important insights for developing targeted interventions to address anxiety symptoms in adolescents exposed to harsh parenting.

Family factors related to adolescent screen media use and mental health outcomes: A systematic review and recommendation for practices

INTRODUCTION

Screen media serves an essential role in adolescents' lives, posing growth opportunities and mental health challenges. Family plays a crucial role in mitigating these challenges. This systematic review offers a comprehensive analysis of the family factors related to adolescent screen media use and mental health.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Embase, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines using the following inclusion criteria: English, peer-reviewed, observational design, and published since 2013; adolescent samples aged 10-17 years; and examining screen media use, family factors, and internalizing problems. The role of family factors as predictors, moderators, and mediators was also examined.

RESULTS

Of the 3587 records, 32 met the inclusion criteria. These studies, primarily cross-sectional, presented a global perspective of 14 countries. A heterogeneous range of family factors, screen media use, and mental health outcomes were examined, revealing significant associations between elevated screen media use and internalizing problems. Positive family processes and democratic media-specific parenting mitigate such association. A few studies underscored family socioeconomic status (SES), noting elevated screen media use and mental health risks among adolescents in families of low SES.

CONCLUSIONS

Accumulating evidence supports the important role of positive family contexts in fostering balanced screen media use and mental health in adolescents, accentuating the need for professional screening and education to promote positive screen media use among adolescents and families. Further research requires refinement in measurement and methodology to better capture the intricate relationship between family dynamics, screen media use, and adolescent mental health.

A multidimensional framework for understanding problematic use of short video platforms: the role of individual, social-environmental, and platform factors

Short video platforms have rapidly become a prominent form of social media, but their problematic use is increasingly concerning. This review synthesizes existing research to propose a comprehensive framework that integrates individual, social-environmental, and platform-related factors contributing to this issue. Individual factors are categorized into distal (e.g., personality, psychopathology) and proximal (e.g., usage expectations, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses during use) categories, with distal factors often shaping proximal ones, which more directly influence usage behaviors. Social-environmental factors, such as family dynamics and peer interactions, along with platform-related features, also significantly impact the likelihood of problematic use. Beyond their direct effects, our framework emphasizes the importance of examining the combined effects of these factors, particularly through mediation and moderation processes. Mediation processes reveal how distal individual factors influence problematic use by shaping more immediate, proximal factors. Similarly, social-environmental influences and platform features may affect problematic use by modifying individual factors. Moderation processes further illustrate how individual characteristics or social-environmental factors may alter the strength of these relationships. Understanding these complex, multidimensional relationships is essential for developing effective interventions to mitigate the risks associated with problematic short video platforms use. Future research should explore these processes in greater depth.

Short-video applications use and self-concept clarity among adolescents: The mediating roles of flow and social media self-expansion

Recently, the usage of short-video applications (apps) has become widespread and the potential influence of short-video apps use on individuals has attracted the attention of researchers. However, few studies have explored the influence of short-video apps use on adolescents' self-concept clarity. This study aimed to examine the relationship between short-video apps use and self-concept clarity among adolescents and whether this relationship is mediated by flow and social media self-expansion. A total of 721 Chinese adolescents completed questionnaires on intensity of short-video apps use, flow, social media self-expansion, self-concept clarity, and SNS use intensity. The results revealed that short-video apps use was negatively related to self-concept clarity among adolescents. Flow mediated the association between short-video apps use and self-concept clarity. Moreover, the relationship between short-video apps use and self-concept clarity was sequentially mediated by flow and social media self-expansion. These findings offer new insights into our understanding of adolescents' self-development in the context of digital media and provide implications for fostering healthier online experiences among adolescents.

Severity of inattention symptoms, experiences of being bullied, and school anxiety as mediators in the association between excessive short-form video viewing and school refusal behaviors in adolescents

Background

Recent years have seen an increase in school refusal behavior among adolescents, potentially due to factors like excessive short-form video viewing, bullying, and school anxiety. Limited research has investigated how these factors contribute to school refusal behavior. This study used random forest regression, path analysis, and network analysis to identify key variables and pathways leading to school refusal behavior.

Methods

In this cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, 2,056 (996 male, 1,060 female, mean age: 14.79 ± 1.24 years) middle and senior high school students were asked to complete the School Refusal Behavior Assessment questionnaire to assess school refusal behavior features, the Excessive Short-Form Video Viewing Scale as well as self-reported viewing times during leisure days to assess excessive short-form video viewing, the SNAP-IV Rating Scale to assess the severity of inattention symptoms, and the self-administered questionnaires to assess experiences of being bullied and school anxiety.

Results

The prevalence of school refusal behavior in the surveyed adolescents was found to be 31.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 29.8-33.9%]. In terms of significance, the severity of inattention symptoms exhibited the greatest predictive power, while excessive short-form video viewing accounted for the most variance. Path analysis revealed that excessive short-form video viewing not only directly affects school refusal behavior features but also does so indirectly through severity of inattention symptoms and school anxiety. Key bridge factors in this pathway include intense fear and anxiety associated with school attendance, manifesting as somatic symptoms and avoidance behaviors.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that not only does excessive short-form video viewing directly influence school refusal behavior features in adolescents, but it also indirectly impacts these features through mechanisms involving severity of inattention symptoms and school anxiety. The bridge factors highlight potential targets for interventions among the SRB features and predictors.

Cultural Dimensions Moderate the Association between Loneliness and Mental Health during Adolescence and Younger Adulthood: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cultural factors, such as country or continent, influence the relationship between loneliness and mental health. However, less is known about how cultural dimensions moderate this relationship during adolescence and younger adulthood, even if these dimensions manifest as country or continent differences. This study aims to examine the potential influence of Hofstede's cultural dimensions on this relationship using a three-level meta-analysis approach. A total of 292 studies with 291,946 participants aged 10 to 24 were included in this study. The results indicate that cultural dimensions, such as individualism vs. collectivism, indulgence vs. restraint, power distance, and long-term vs. short-term orientation, moderated the associations between loneliness and social anxiety, stress, Internet overuse, and negative affect. The association between loneliness and mental health was not moderated by cultural dimensions, such as masculinity and uncertainty avoidance. These findings suggest that culture's influence on the association between loneliness and mental health is based on a domain-specific mechanism.

Phubbing and its impact on the individual's psychological well-being

Increasingly, smartphones have become a part of people's everyday lives, and are now considered by many to be an indispensable social accessory. Since attachment to a smartphone could have negative psychological consequences, a burgeoning new area of research has emerged which examines the effects of smartphones on individuals' well-being. Hence, this study focuses on phubbing - one's engagement with the smartphone during a face-to-face conversation with another person or group of people - and its association with psychological well-being. For this investigation, a quantitative descriptive approach has been adopted involving a sample of 370 women and men from Spain between 25 and 60 years old. The survey was distributed during late 2019 and the first quarter of 2020. The Phubbing Behaviors Survey was conducted, comprising five dimensions (cultural, technological, social, communicational, and psychological), and a total of 33 items requiring responses on a 5-point Likert scale. This survey was used in conjunction with the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), consisting of four categories (somatic symptoms, social dysfunction, anxiety and insomnia, and severe depression), and 7 items per category. The findings reveal a positive correlation between phubbing and severe depression and, young women under 25 years old show higher levels of somatic symptoms than men in the same age group. This study demonstrates the need to raise awareness via health education and to promote healthy use of the Internet to prevent psychological distress resulting from phubbing.

A cross-lagged analysis of the relationship between short video overuse behavior and depression among college students

Introduction

Watching short videos on mobile phones is currently a very prevalent phenomenon. It has been found in research that excessive use of short videos is closely related to depression. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between short video overuse behavior and depression among college students as well as the gender differences that are present in such relationship.

Methods

A follow-up measurement was conducted on 331 college students using the Short Video Usage Behavior Scale and the Epidemic Research Center Depression Scale with an interval of 2 months.

Results

(1) Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between short video overuse behavior and depression, whether measured at the same or different time points, repeated measures ANOVA indicates that short video overuse behavior and depression have strong stability within the interval between two measurements. (2) Pre-test short video overuse behavior could significantly and positively predict post-test depression, whereas pre-test depression could not significantly predict post-test short video overuse behavior. (3) The cross-lagged effect between short video overuse behavior and depression showed no gender differences.

Discussion

These findings indicate that, for college students, short video overuse behavior may increase the risk of depression, whereas depression cannot induce short video overuse behavior.

Social Media Use and Sleep Quality Among Secondary School Students in Aseer Region: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Use of different social media platforms has increased radically over the past decade, emerging as an important part of adolescents and young people's everyday life. This might exert potential adverse effects on sleep quality and daytime performance of young adults.

Aim of Study

To assess the relation between use of social media platforms and sleep quality among public secondary school students.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 961 students in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. Students were asked to fill in a structured interview questionnaire covering personal data, pattern of social media use, sleep quality using The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and their mental health status using the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21).

Results

Students' ages ranged from 15 to 20 years with a mean age of 16.7 ± 2.1 years old. A total of 570 (59.3%) students were females. Tiktok (80%), Snapchat (77.9%), Instagram (63.8%) and YouTube (58.8%) were the most reported platforms used. Regarding their sleep quality, 34.7% of students were poor sleepers. TikTok use (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.01-1.77), hours spent on social media (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.16-1.37) and having moderate to severe depressive symptoms (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.19-2.40) were significant independent predictors of poor sleep among the studied sample.

Conclusion

The present study emphasized the association between prolonged use of social media and poor sleep quality among Saudi adolescents. Awareness and behavioral change strategies and activities concerning the drawbacks of poor sleep and proper use of social media are urgently called for to control mental and physical health consequences of poor sleep and social media addiction.

The association between problematic short video use and suicidal ideation and self-injurious behaviors: the mediating roles of sleep disturbance and depression

BACKGROUND

Prior work suggests that problematic short video use was associated with adverse psychological, physiological, and educational outcomes. With the prevailing of short video platforms, the potential relationships between this problematic behavior and suicidal ideation and self-injurious behaviors have yet to be thoroughly examined. Besides, considering the potential dual nature of problematic short video use, particularly its positive aspects, a potential mechanism may exist linking such problematic behavior to SI and SIBs, ultimately driving individuals towards extreme outcomes. Nevertheless, such mediation paths have not been rigorously examined. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate their relationships and delve into the underlying mechanism, specifically identifying potential mediators between sleep disturbance and depression.

METHODS

A quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed to model data derived from a large sample of first- and second-year university students residing in mainland China (N = 1,099; Mage = 19.80 years; 51.7% male).

RESULTS

Results showed that problematic short video use has a dual impact on SI and SIBs. On the one hand, problematic short video use was directly related to the decreased risk of suicidal ideation, attempts, and NSSI. On the other hand, such problematic behavior was indirectly associated with the increased risk of NSSI through sleep disturbance, and it indirectly related to the elevated risk of suicidal ideation, attempts, and NSSI through depression. Besides, on the whole, problematic short video use was positively associated with NSSI but not suicidal ideation and attempts.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated that problematic short video use had a dual impact on SI and SIBs. Consequently, it is paramount to comprehend the genuine magnitude of the influence that such problematic behavior holds over these intricate psychological conditions.

The relationship between short-form video use and depression among Chinese adolescents: Examining the mediating roles of need gratification and short-form video addiction

Short-form video apps, such as TikTok, have become popular worldwide. Compared to traditional social media, they have powerful push algorithms and are more entertaining, which might lead to some negative effects. Research has attempted to identify the relationship between short-form video use and depression, but the processes mechanism underly the relationship was few in number. The present study explored the association between short-form video use and depression among Chinese adolescents and analyzed the mediating roles of need gratification and short-form video addiction. The participants included 1302 senior high school students (Mage = 16.03, SD = 0.76, 42.6 % boys). And a structure equation model with chain mediating was established using Mplus. The results showed (1) a direct association between short-form video use and adolescent depression, (2) that entertainment need gratification, social-related need gratification, and short-form video addiction acted as chain mediating factors, and (3) no gender difference in the model. The present study's findings revealed the important mediating role of addictive behavior between normal use behavior and depression and suggested that preventative and interventional plans based on need gratification should be developed to reduce short-form video addiction and improve mental health.

The association between problematic internet use and burnout: A three-level meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Burnout has received considerable attention in recent years because of the adverse consequences for people. Theoretical perspectives propose that problematic internet use is a significant potential risk for burnout. Despite a plethora of studies showing a positive association between problematic internet use and burnout, there remains a contentious debate regarding the extent and direction of this association.

METHODS

This study aims to perform a three-level meta-analysis to evaluate the strength of the relationship between problematic internet use and burnout through a quantitative synthesis of eligible studies published until April 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 42 studies with 54,121 participants and 103 effect sizes were identified. The results indicated a positive, moderate, and significant association between problematic internet use and burnout. Furthermore, the subgroup analysis found that this association was moderated by population, dimension of burnout, and the measure of burnout, however, some study features (i.e., region, type of problematic internet use, gender, and publication year) could not explain the heterogeneity across individual studies.

LIMITATIONS

Studies included in the current meta-analysis mainly used cross-sectional designs, which limited the potential to make inferences on the causal relationship between problematic internet use and burnout.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with problematic internet use have exhibited higher levels of burnout. Overall, these findings develop a deeper understanding of this association between problematic internet use and burnout and have implications for the direction of future research and interventions.

The Impact of Social Media Use on Sleep and Mental Health in Youth: a Scoping Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Social media use (SMU) and other internet-based technologies are ubiquitous in today's interconnected society, with young people being among the commonest users. Previous literature tends to support that SMU is associated with poor sleep and mental health issues in youth, despite some conflicting findings. In this scoping review, we summarized relevant studies published within the past 3 years, highlighted the impacts of SMU on sleep and mental health in youth, while also examined the possible underlying mechanisms involved. Future direction and intervention on rational use of SMU was discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Both cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort studies demonstrated the negative impacts of SMU on sleep and mental health, with preliminary evidence indicating potential benefits especially during the COVID period at which social restriction was common. However, the limited longitudinal research has hindered the establishment of directionality and causality in the association among SMU, sleep, and mental health. Recent studies have made advances with a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of SMU on sleep and mental health in youth, which is of public health importance and will contribute to improving sleep and mental health outcomes while promoting rational and beneficial SMU. Future research should include the implementation of cohort studies with representative samples to investigate the directionality and causality of the complex relationships among SMU, sleep, and mental health; the use of validated questionnaires and objective measurements; and the design of randomized controlled interventional trials to reduce overall and problematic SMU that will ultimately enhance sleep and mental health outcomes in youth.

Effect of short video addiction on the sleep quality of college students: chain intermediary effects of physical activity and procrastination behavior

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of short video addiction on college students' sleep quality and to elucidate the mechanism underlying this relationship. Thus, we examined the correlation between short video addiction and sleep quality and analyzed the roles of physical activity and procrastination.

Methods

The Short Video Addiction Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Aitken Procrastination Inventory, and Physical Activity Rating Scale were administered to 337 college students. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0. Pearson's correlation analysis and mediation analysis using the bootstrapping test were performed for the standard method bias test.

Results

(1) Overall, 25.2% of college students had problems with sleep quality (indicated by a PSQI score ≥ 8). (2) Short video addiction score is positively correlated with college students' sleep quality score; procrastination score was positively associated with both short video addiction score and sleep quality score, and physical activity score was negatively associated with them. (3) Short video addiction significantly positive predicted sleep quality (β = 0.458, P < 0.001), a significant negative predictive effect on physical exercise (β = -0.183, P < 0.001), and a significant positive effect on procrastination behavior (β = 0.246, P < 0.001). After physical exercise and procrastination behavior were entered into the regression equation, short video addiction and procrastination were significantly positive predictors of sleep quality, and physical activity was significantly negative predictor of sleep quality. (4) After accounting for the variables of age, gender, and grade, physical activity and procrastination behaviors independently mediated the association between short-video addiction and sleep quality. Physical activity and procrastination behavior acted as chain mediators in the association between short video addiction and sleep quality, with a chain mediation effect percentage of 1.04%. Short video addiction directly affects college students' sleep quality, indirectly through physical activity and procrastination behavior.

A Population-Based Analysis of the Temporal Association of Screen Time and Aggressive Behaviors in Adolescents

Objective

The recent widespread diffusion of screen-based devices among adolescents has raised questions about the effects of screen time on adolescent behavior, including aggressive behaviors. However, previous studies have been methodologically limited in their ability to distinguish between common vulnerability, concurrency, and lasting associations between screen time and aggression among adolescents, and findings are still inconsistent. To address this gap in the literature, time-varying direct and indirect associations between screen time and aggression were investigated.

Method

The sample included nearly 4,000 Canadian adolescents who participated in annual surveys for 5 consecutive years. Multilevel statistical models were applied to study between-person effects (common vulnerability), within-person effects (concurrency explaining a priming effect), and lagged-within-person effects (lasting effects explaining a learning process) of screen time (ie, social media use, television viewing, video game playing, computer use) on aggressive behaviors (ie, fighting, conduct problems, hostile thoughts). Screen time effects on aggression through hostility were further studied.

Results

Short-lived concurrent relations between different forms of screen time and aggressive behaviors suggested a priming effect. Social media use was further associated with longer lasting increases in conduct problems, suggesting a social learning process, while television viewing showed significant negative lagged-within-person association with hostility, showing a protective effect. Hostile thoughts mediated screen time and aggression associations mainly at between-person levels.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the nature of the relation between screen time and aggressive behaviors depends on the type of digital platform through which such content is presented and suggest the need for policies focusing on protecting young users of digital media.

Clinical trial registration information

Does Delaying Adolescent Substance Use Lead to Improved Cognitive Function and Reduce Risk for Addiction?; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/: NCT01655615.