Patterns of Social Media Use Among College Students: Impacts on their Well-Being

Authors: Elizabeth Mattelini, Carolyn Cates

SUNY Campus: Purchase College

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 58

Timeslot: Session D 3:00-4:00 PM

Abstract: In recent decades there has been a significant increase in social media usage, raising concerns about the mental health and well-being of its users, particularly young adults. Previous research has primarily explored whether frequency and duration of social media use impacts mental health and well-being; however, there is limited research on impacts of patterns of social media engagement (active vs. passive; private vs. public). It is crucial to understand how types of engagement with social media are associated with mental health outcomes. The current study investigates whether different patterns of social media engagement are associated with the mental health and well-being of undergraduate college students. Participants’ social media engagement is being measured using a modified version of the E-SMUQ, and responses will indicate four distinct patterns of social media use: active private, active public, passive private, and passive public. Participants’ mental health and well-being are being measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and the World Health Organization-5 (WHO-5) questionnaire. While data collection is ongoing, results are expected to contribute a deeper understanding of how different patterns of social media engagement are associated with mental health and well-being outcomes. Knowledge gained from this study can contribute to future interventions aiming to promote healthier social media usage.