Presenter
Lilly Oliveira
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
Background: While studies suggest social media use may increase the risk of poor mental health, no studies have examined how the ways in which people use social media may play a role. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey of N=571 college students who own iPhones at a higher education institution in the northeast US was conducted in October 2022. Social media uses were assessed using the Social Networking Sites Usage & Needs Scale, measuring five different domains: diversion, cognitive, affective, personal integration, and social integration. Scores for all domains could range from 4-20, except social integration which could range from 5-25. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the independent association between each domain score and depression while controlling sexual and gender identity, age, race/ethnicity, social status, social support, and sleep problems. Results: Mean (SE) domain scores were 14.6 (0.12) for diversion, 15.4 (0.11) for cognitive, 12.3 (0.14) for affective, 11.9 (0.16) for personal integration, and 19.0 (0.14) for social integration. Several domains were associated with increased odds of depression, including diversion: 1.11 (95%CI: 1.03,1.21), affective: 1.09 (95%CI: 1.02,1.16), and personal integration: 1.06 (95%CI: 1.01,1.12), while social integration: 1.04 (95%CI: 0.98,1.10)] and cognitive [1.01 (95%CI: 0.94,1.09)] were not. Conclusions: The mental health harms of social media may be dependent upon how it is used.
Faculty Mentor
Samantha Rosenthal, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Academic Discipline
Interdisciplinary
Repository Citation
Oliveira, Lilly; Arrington, Isabelle; Rosenthal, S R.; Gately, Kelsey; Noel, Jonathan K.; and Torres, Jadyn, "Uses of Social Media and Depression among College" (2024). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 138.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/138