Longitudinal associations between problematic social media use and mental health: Mediating role of sleep

Abstract

Evidence on the longitudinal associations between problematic social media use (PSMU) and mental health is inconsistent. While some studies suggest that PSMU predicts later poor mental health, others do not. There is also limited evidence on the role of sleep in these associations. To clarify these questions the present study investigated the associations between PSMU and mental health, and the mediating role of sleep. The eMediate study participants (n = 437, 49.7 % female, mean age = 22.62 ± 1.82 years) who completed four surveys of social media use, sleep, and mental health at three-month intervals were included. Multilevel mediation analyses were conducted to examine the associations between the variables. PSMU significantly predicted subsequent depressive and anxiety symptoms. Insomnia symptoms and poor sleep quality partially mediated these associations. Insomnia was a stronger mediator than sleep quality. Results also showed that PSMU was indirectly associated with wellbeing through insomnia and poor sleep quality. This study identifies poor sleep as a pathway through which PSMU may impact mental health, highlighting the importance of addressing sleep problems to mitigate the effect of PSMU on wellbeing. Important practical implications for both mental health and future research are discussed.