Social Network Density Mediates the Association Between Problematic Social Media Use and Depressive Symptoms

Abstract

Previous studies have indicated that problematic social media use (PSMU) is positively related to depressive symptoms. However, the potential mechanisms underlying this relationship are not well understood. For example, prior research found that depressive symptoms are related to one’s social network structure, such as network size and density. Therefore, we examined whether one’s social network size and density mediate the relationship between PSMU and depressive symptoms. We conducted an in-person survey to collect measures of PSMU, social network size and density, and depressive symptoms. Our analysis showed that there was a positive relationship between PSMU and depressive symptoms, which was mediated by social network density but not size. Specifically, the greater one’s PSMU, the less dense their social network, and the greater their depressive symptoms. Our research suggests that PSMU may affect how individuals maintain their social connections with others, which may affect mental health. Implications were discussed.