Higher Emotional Investment in Social Media is Related to Anxiety and Depression in University Students

Objectives: Most studies that have reported the adverse effects of social media (SM) usage on mental health have been conducted on adolescents. Additionally, such studies have used frequency or duration as the only indicator of SM usage. The present study aims to relate SM usage (frequency, duration, and emotional investment) with anxiety, depression, and self-esteem in university students.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we adapted a non-probability convenience sampling technique. The data from 893 university students was collected through questionnaires, which were developed in Google forms and their links were shared in social media groups. The study tools used were Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, Social Integration and Emotional Connection subscale of the Social Media Use Integration Scale. We recorded variables for overall SM use (volume and frequency), night-time specific SM usage, emotional investment in SM, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem levels. Based on the scores achieved in SM variables, participants' data were classified into different quartiles.

Results: We found a significant positive correlation of emotional investment in SM with anxiety (r = 0.71; -value < 0.001) and depression (r = 0.72; -value 0.003). The results of the one-way ANOVA revealed significantly increased anxiety and depression scores (-value 0.03 and 0.02, respectively) in quartile four versus quartile one. The probability or likelihood of being anxious and depressed significantly increased by factors of 1.76 and 1.48, respectively with per unit increase in emotional investment in SM.

Conclusion: Higher Emotional Investment in Social Media is related to Anxiety and Depression in University Students. The probability of being anxious and depressed significantly increases with per unit increase in emotional investment in SM.