The Bidirectional Relationship Between Social Media Disorder and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescence

Abstract

Cross-sectional studies have established an association between social media disorder (SMD) and depressive symptoms. However, it is unknown if SMD may exacerbate depressive symptoms or if depressive symptoms may exacerbate SMD. This longitudinal examined the bidirectional relationship between SMD and depressive symptoms among adolescents. Furthermore, it was examined if sleep problems, friendship quality, and face-to-face contact with friends can explain the relationship between SMD and depressive symptoms. Data were derived from the ”Digital Youth Project” and were collected with a one-year interval. The sample consisted of 1416 students, ages 11 to 16. Results showed that higher levels of SMD predicted higher levels of depressive symptoms one year later and vice versa. Furthermore, an increase in sleep problems and a decrease in friendship quality partly explain the effect of SMD on depressive symptoms, while face-to-face contact with friends did not. It is concluded that SMD may negatively impact several areas of adolescent life and that depressive symptoms may be a risk factor for developing SMD. Future research should further investigate the mechanisms through which SMD develops and what other implications SMD may have. Only then, effective prevention and intervention programs aiming at the mental health of adolescents, can be developed.