Problematic Social Media Use and Depressive Outcomes among College Students in China: Observational and Experimental Findings

Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the doomscrolling scale and the mediating role of doomscrolling in the bidirectional relationship between insomnia and depression

BACKGROUND

Doomscrolling behavior is very common among college students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Doomscrolling Scale, thus providing a scientific basis for its application among Chinese university students.

METHODS

The Chinese version of Doomscrolling Scale was developed through translation and revision of the original scale, conducting item and factor analysis, and validating it with validation factor analysis. The psychometric properties of the Doomscrolling Scale were assessed in 2885 Chinese university students.

RESULTS

The internal consistency coefficients, two-month test-retest reliability, and split-half reliability of the Chinese version of the Doomscrolling Scale (including the 15-item and the 4-item short version) were high, and the mono-factorial scales fitted well to the theoretical model. Scores on the Chinese version of the Doomscrolling Scale were significantly associated with depression, anxiety, and smartphone addiction. The structural equation model indicates that doomscrolling can mediate the bidirectional relationship between insomnia disorder and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The revised Chinese version of the Doomscrolling Scale is valid and reliable, which can facilitate research in this field. The association between doomscrolling and various mental disorders has been confirmed, and further research should be conducted to investigate its mechanisms of action.

Mental Disorders, Social Media Addiction, and Academic Performance in Romanian Undergraduate Nursing Students

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate social media addiction in Romanian undergraduate nursing students and its association with academic performance, depression, and anxiety. Methods: We used a cross-sectional online survey to collect data among nursing undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The Social Media Addiction Scale-Student Form (SMAS-SF), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to assess social media addiction, depression, and anxiety, respectively. Results: A total of 90 nursing students participated in the study, of which 82 (91.1%) were females and 81 (90%) were of Romanian ethnicity. The median age of participants was 21 years (18-40). Males showed higher BDI total scores, SMAS-SF total scores, and STAI scale A state anxiety compared to females, and females showed higher STAI scale A trait anxiety compared to males, although these results were not statistically significant. Also, we found no significant difference in these variables between participants from different study years. Participants with no or mild depression had a significantly higher academic performance (p-value = 0.001), lower SMAS-SF (p-value = 0.004), and lower STAI scores (p-value < 0.001) compared to participants with borderline, moderate, or severe depression after performing multivariate regression analysis. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that depression was significantly associated with social media addiction, anxiety, and lower academic performance in Romanian undergraduate nursing students.

The relationship between family functioning and social media addiction among university students: a moderated mediation model of depressive symptoms and peer support

BACKGROUND

Social media addiction (SMA) is an increasing problem, especially among young adults. Little is known about university students' SMA and family functioning. This study aimed to explore the mediating effect of depressive symptoms and the moderating effect of peer support in the relationship between family functioning and SMA among young adults.

METHODS

A sample of 1862 Chinese university students completed an online survey including the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), Family APGAR, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), peer support, and demographic characteristics. Hierarchical regression and moderated mediation analysis were used to test the effects and pathways among them.

RESULTS

Of the 1840 participants, 30.11% experienced SMA, 38.80% had family dysfunction and 15.98% had depressive symptoms. Hierarchical multiple regression showed better family functioning significantly predicted less SMA (β = -0.26, p < 0.001) and lower depressive symptoms (β = -0.58, p < 0.001), after adjusting for covariates. Mediation analysis verified that depressive symptoms mediated the effect of family functioning on SMA (indirect effect = -0.22, 95%CI[-0.28, -0.17]). Furthermore, the interaction of family functioning and peer support was negatively related to depressive symptoms (β= -0.03, 95% CI[-0.05, -0.01]) and the interaction of depressive symptoms and peer support was positively related to SMA (β = 0.01, 95%CI[0.004, 0.02]). Additional analysis further confirmed that peer support decreased depressive symptoms among young adults from dysfunctional families, and increased SMA behaviors in individuals with depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Better family functioning and lower depressive symptoms may contribute to less social media addiction among Chinese university students. Peer support could moderate the mediating role of depressive symptoms on social media addiction in individuals with family dysfunction.

Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Problematic Social Media Use Amongst Chinese College Students: A Longitudinal Study

Purpose

Numerous cross-sectional investigations have delved into the association between the self-esteem of college students and problematic social media use (PSMU). Nevertheless, the debated causal sequence between the two factors persists, and their unclear developmental connection over time prevails.

Methods

We used a questionnaire method to follow 321 students in Chinese college over a period of 18 months and three times, of which 137 are male and 184 are female, with an average age of 18.42 years (SD = 0.78) at time 1. Descriptive statistics were used to present the general characteristics of the study participants. Moreover, the latent growth model was used to explore the developmental trajectory of self-esteem and PSMU and to explore the interplay between the two factors from a developmental perspective. On this basis, a cross-lagged model was used to verify the causal relationship between self-esteem and PSMU.

Results

In China, (a) the self-esteem levels of college students continuously decline during their academic years, whilst PSMU levels steadily increase. (b) The self-esteem of Chinese college students significantly negatively predicts PSMU. (c) The initial level of self-esteem amongst Chinese college students can significantly negatively predict the initial level of PSMU. Additionally, the rate of decline in self-esteem amongst Chinese college students can negatively predict the rate of increase in PSMU.

Conclusion

Obtained results serve as a valuable resource for researchers and educators, enabling strategic intervention in addressing issues related to PSMU amongst college students from a developmental perspective.

Profiles of fear of missing out and their social media use among young adults: A six-month longitudinal study

This longitudinal study used a person-centered approach to differentiate fear of missing out (FoMO) among subgroups of individuals using latent profile analysis (LPA). The subgroups were identified according to trait-FoMO (a specific predisposition) and state-FoMO (a specific cognition in the online context) items. Data were collected from 1125 participants (70.04 % female, age range 17-26 years, Mage = 20.52 years). The LPA showed five distinct profiles: highest FoMO, high trait-FoMO high state-FoMO, high trait-FoMO low state-FoMO, low trait-FoMO high state-FoMO, and low trait-FoMO low state-FoMO. We further explored how these profiles relate to social media use. The results revealed significant differences between profiles in terms of social media engagement, social media self-control failure, and problematic social media use and could be used to predict social media use behaviors of 437 participants (77.35 % female, age range 18-27 years, Mage = 20.60 years) six months later. Thus, the combination of high trait-FoMO and high state-FoMO may mean more frequent social media engagement and could be an important risk factor for social media self-control failure and problematic social media use. Additionally, state-FoMO should be considered in prevention and intervention strategies aimed at addressing young adults' problematic social media use.

The relationship between loneliness and problematic social media usage in Chinese university students: a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

A significant number of cross-sectional studies have explored the correlation between loneliness and problematic social media use. However, the causal relationship between these two key variables remains controversial, and the developmental relationship over time is unclear.

METHODS

We conducted a one-year longitudinal study with 538 Chinese college students using questionnaires and employing cross-lagged and latent growth models to investigate the causal relationship and developmental dynamics between loneliness and problematic social media use.

RESULTS

The results indicate that (a) loneliness and problematic social media use mutually and positively influence each other, establishing a bidirectional causal relationship; (b) Chinese college students experience a gradual increase in levels of loneliness and problematic social media use during their time in college; and (c) the intercept and slope of loneliness significantly and positively affect the intercept and slope of problematic social media use, and conversely, the intercept and slope of problematic social media use significantly and positively influence the intercept and slope of loneliness.

CONCLUSION

These findings reveal the longitudinal relationship between loneliness and problematic social media use among Chinese college students and offer insights for researchers and educators to intervene in college students' loneliness and problematic social media use from a developmental perspective.

The Impact of Social Media Use Interventions on Mental Well-Being: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

There is some evidence that more social media use is related to poorer mental well-being and that social media use can become problematic when it starts to interfere with a person's daily life and mental well-being. To address this issue and improve users' mental well-being, social media use interventions (eg, abstinence from social media) have been developed and evaluated. However, there is limited understanding of the effectiveness of these interventions in improving mental well-being.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to synthesize the literature on the effectiveness of social media use interventions in improving mental well-being in adults.

METHODS

A systematic search (January 1, 2004, to July 31, 2022) was completed across 3 databases in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Experimental studies evaluating the impact of social media use interventions on mental well-being in adults were included. Outcomes related to mental well-being, such as depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness, were included. A narrative synthesis without meta-analysis was completed to summarize the study characteristics and effectiveness by outcome and intervention type. The Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool was used to measure the quality of the studies.

RESULTS

Of the 2785 studies identified through the systematic search, 23 (0.83%) were included in the analysis. Many of the included studies (9/23, 39%) found improvements in mental well-being, some (7/23, 30%) found mixed effects, and others (7/23, 30%) found no effect on mental well-being. Therapy-based interventions that used techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy were more effective than limiting use of social media or full abstinence from social media, with 83% (5/6) of these studies showing improvements in mental well-being compared with 20% (1/5) and 25% (3/12), respectively. Depression was the most frequently investigated and improved outcome with 70% (7/10) of the studies showing a significant improvement in depression after the intervention, whereas other outcomes showed more varied results. Quality was poor, with 96% (22/23) of the studies receiving a weak global score, mostly for issues related to selection bias because most of the studies (16/23, 70%) used a convenience sampling of university students.

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides some evidence that social media use interventions are effective in improving mental well-being, especially for depression and when using therapy-based interventions. Further experimental and longitudinal research is needed with representative samples to investigate who may benefit most from social media use interventions. This will help to develop guidance and recommendations for policy makers and clinicians on how best to manage problematic social media use.

Problematic internet use and sleep quality in adolescents with major depressive disorder

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Effectiveness of health communication courses on professionalism and social media competence among nursing students: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The shaping and cultivation of professionalism of nursing students is very important for the improvement and retention of nursing workers' quality. In the context of social media, it is challenging for nursing students to use social media for health education. Health communication course has the potential to cultivate professionalism and social media competence of nursing students, but its role still needs to be explored.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of health communication course intervention on improving the professionalism and social media competence of nursing students.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

The recruited nursing students were randomly divided into the intervention group (N = 50) and the control group (N = 51). The control group received routine nursing education. Intervention group received routine nursing education and health communication education courses. Both groups were required to submit a health communication work on any topic. The Nursing Professionalism Scale、Social Media Self-efficacy Scale and Social Media Experience Scale were used to evaluate the professionalism and social media competence of nursing students. The primary analysis used linear mixed models and followed the intention-to-treat principle.

RESULTS

The professionalism, social media self-efficacy and social media experience of students in the two groups were significantly improved, and the improvement of nursing students in the intervention group was higher than that in the control group. After the intervention of health communication course, there were significant differences in professionalism (p < 0.001), social media self-efficacy (p = 0.006) and social media experience (p = 0.013) between the two groups. Social media self-efficacy have an effect on professionalism (ꞵ = 0.22, p < 0.001, 95 % CI 0.17-0.26).

CONCLUSION

The health communication course significantly improved social media competence and professionalism, which was significantly different from the control group, revealing the educational value of the intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR2200058425.

Examining correlates of aggression and mediating effect of psychological distress between exposure to media violence and aggression in lebanese adults

BACKGROUND

Violent media is the most consumed type of media in Lebanon. Many studies have linked exposure to media violence to increased aggression and psychological distress. As Lebanon is going through socio-political turmoil, we aimed to [1] explore the correlates of aggression (i.e., sociodemographic factors, BMI, loneliness, social competence, and psychological distress) in a sample of Lebanese adults from the general population, and [2] to examine the mediating effect of psychological distress in the association between exposure to media violence and aggression in this sample.

METHODOLOGY

Adults were recruited through online convenience sampling. We employed scales to assess content-based media exposure (C-ME), aggression (BPAQ-SF), psychological distress (DASS-8), loneliness (JGLS), and perceived social competence (PSCS).

RESULTS

Exposure to media violence was associated with all four aggression subtypes (verbal, physical, hostility, and anger). Psychological distress partially mediated all these associations; higher exposure to media violence was significantly associated with more psychological distress, which was significantly associated with higher levels of all types of aggression. Moreover, higher exposure to media violence was significantly associated with higher levels of all types of aggression.

CONCLUSION

In the sociopolitical context of Lebanon, violent media could be considered a public hazard. Psychological distress likely potentiates the association between exposure to violent media and aggression. Future research should focus on determining what components of psychological distress underpin this mediation.

The mediating role of anxiety and depression between problematic social media use and bulimia nervosa among Lebanese university students

Background

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a disorder that is characterized by binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behavior to control weight. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mediating role of anxiety and depression between problematic social media use (PSMU) and BN among a sample of Lebanese university students.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out between July and September 2021; a total of 363 university students was recruited through convenience sampling. The PROCESS SPSS Macro version 3.4, model four was used to test the indirect effect and calculate three pathways. Pathway A determined the regression coefficient for the effect of PSMU on mental health issues (depression/anxiety); Pathway B examined the association between mental health issues on BN, and Pathway C’ estimated the direct effect of PSMU on BN. Pathway AB was used to calculate the indirect effect of PSMU on BN via depression/anxiety.

Results

Results showed that depression and anxiety partially mediated the association between PSMU and BN. Higher levels of PSMU were associated with more depression and anxiety; higher depression and anxiety were associated with more BN. PSMU was directly and significantly associated with more BN. When entering anxiety (M1) then depression (M2) as consecutive mediators in a first model, the results showed that only depression mediated the association between PSMU and bulimia. When taking depression (M1) then anxiety (M2) as consecutive mediators in a second model, the results showed that the mediation PSMU → Depression → Anxiety → Bulimia was significant. Higher PSMU was significantly associated with more depression, which was significantly associated with more anxiety, which was significantly associated with more bulimia. Finally, higher PSMU was directly and significantly associated with more bulimia

Conclusion

The current paper highlights the relationship that social media use has on BN and other aspects of mental health such as anxiety and depression in Lebanon. Future studies should replicate the mediation analysis conducted in the current study while taking into account other eating disorders. Additional investigations of BN and its correlates must strive to improve the comprehension of these associations’ pathways through designs that allow to draw temporal frameworks, in order to efficiently treat this eating disorder and prevent its negative outcomes.

Bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder, is characterized by an impulsive consumption of food in a short period of time, followed by behaviors that compensate the eating such as vomiting or excessive exercise in order to avoid weight gain. Individuals with problematic social media use were found to have higher levels of bulimia symptoms. Symptoms of bulimia can also be associated with both depression and anxiety. The aim of the current study was to examine the mediating role of anxiety and depression between problematic social media use and bulimia nervosa. The results of our study found that problematic social media use was directly associated with more bulimia nervosa and also associated with higher depression and anxiety, both of which were associated with bulimia nervosa. Tackling associated disorders may help reduce symptoms of bulimia nervosa. Clinicians should carefully examine these associations while assessing and implementing treatment plans.

The double-edged sword effects of active social media use on loneliness: The roles of interpersonal satisfaction and fear of missing out

Introduction

Social media' impact on loneliness has attracted widespread scholarly attention. One hypothesis is that active social media use (ASMU) is associated with a decrease in loneliness. However, several empirical studies did not find a significant correlation between ASMU and loneliness, and ASMU may even increase loneliness. This study explored the mechanism of the double-edged sword effects of ASMU on loneliness.

Methods

Data were collected through convenience sampling from three universities in China. A total of 454 Chinese college social media users (Mean age 19.75 ± 1.33; 59.92% female) completed an online questionnaire.

Results

ASMU was positively related to interpersonal relationship satisfaction, which was negatively related to general trait-fear of missing out (FoMO) and loneliness. Further structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis showed that ASMU could negatively predict loneliness through the mediation pathways of interpersonal satisfaction and "Interpersonal satisfaction → Trait-FoMO." At the same time, ASMU was also positively associated with online-specific state-FoMO, which was positively associated with trait-FoMO and loneliness. Further SEM analysis found no mediation effect of state-FoMO between ASMU and loneliness, but state-FoMO and traitFoMO sequentially mediate the relationship between ASMU and loneliness.

Discussion

This study indicates that ASMU may increase and decrease loneliness. Interpersonal satisfaction and FoMO explained the double-edged mechanism of ASMU on loneliness. These findings contribute to dialectically understanding the effectiveness of active social media use and provide theoretical guidance for promoting the beneficial aspects of social media while weakening its harmful consequences.