Physical Activity Linked to Social Media Dependence in Adolescence: New Research

A recent study from Jishou University in the People's Republic of China has shed light on the complex relationship between physical activity and social media dependence in adolescents. The research, published in Scientific Reports, found that depression serves as a mediating factor and difficulty describing feelings acts as a moderating factor in the relationship between physical activity and social media dependence. The study suggests that physical activity has a significant negative correlation with social media dependence, depression, and difficulty describing feelings in adolescents.

Key Takeaways:

• The study involved a self-reported survey of 3,247 Chinese adolescents, measuring physical activity, social media dependence, depression, and difficulty describing feelings.
• Physical activity showed a significant negative correlation with social media dependence (r = -0.35), depression (r = -0.32), and difficulty describing feelings (r = -0.29).
• Depression was positively correlated with social media dependence (r = 0.23) and difficulty describing feelings (r = 0.25).
• Difficulty describing feelings acted as a moderating factor in the relationship between depression and social media dependence, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to reduce social media dependence among adolescents.
• The study provides valuable insights for comprehensive and targeted interventions aimed at reducing social media dependence among adolescents, emphasizing the importance of physical activity, mental health, and emotional regulation.

Statistics:

• 3,247 adolescents participated in the self-reported survey.
• Physical activity showed a significant negative correlation with social media dependence (r = -0.35).
• Depression was positively correlated with social media dependence (r = 0.23).
• Difficulty describing feelings acted as a moderating factor in the relationship between depression and social media dependence.
• The study found that physical activity had a significant negative correlation with depression (r = -0.32) and difficulty describing feelings (r = -0.29).

Sources:

• Wang J, Wang W, Liu Y, Deng L. Exploring the relationship between physical activity and social media addiction among adolescents through a moderated mediation model. Scientific Reports, 2025;15(1):22209. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-3219-4
• NewsRx. Jishou University Reports Findings in Psychology and Psychiatry (Exploring the relationship between physical activity and social media addiction among adolescents through a moderated mediation model). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal, 2025; July 19; p 241.