Problematic Social Media Use Undermines Well-being Among Students

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted among higher vocational college students in Jiangsu Province, China, has shed light on the negative effects of problematic social media use on subjective well-being. The study, which involved 706 students, found that social media usage significantly and negatively influences the well-being of students, with psychological distress and sleep disturbance acting as partial mediators. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that psychological distress and sleep disturbance function as serial mediators, amplifying the negative impact of problematic social media use on well-being.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that problematic social media use significantly and negatively influences the subjective well-being of higher vocational college students.
  • Psychological distress and sleep disturbance partially mediate the negative relationship between problematic social media use and subjective well-being.
  • Psychological distress and sleep disturbance function as serial mediators, further amplifying the negative impact of problematic social media use on subjective well-being.
  • The study contributes to the growing body of research on digital behavior and mental health by elucidating the mechanisms through which problematic social media use undermines well-being.
  • The research offers practical insights for educators and policymakers aiming to develop interventions that mitigate the negative effects of problematic social media use.
  • The study highlights the importance of addressing problematic social media use and promoting healthy digital behaviors among students to support their overall well-being.

Statistics:

  • The study involved 706 students from 4 higher vocational colleges in Jiangsu Province, China.
  • The analysis found that problematic social media use significantly and negatively influences the subjective well-being of students, with a p-value of < 0.01.
  • Psychological distress and sleep disturbance partially mediate the negative relationship between problematic social media use and subjective well-being, with a mediating effect of 0.5.
  • The serial mediating effect of psychological distress and sleep disturbance was found to be significant, with a p-value of < 0.001.

Sources:

  • "The Impact of Problematic Social Media Use On Subjective Well-being Among Higher Vocational College Students: the Chain Mediating Role of Psychological Distress and Sleep Disturbance." Medicine. Medicine, 2025;104(24).
  • "Researchers from Science University of Malaysia Provide Details of New Studies and Findings in the Area of Psychology and Psychiatry (The Impact of Problematic Social Media Use On Subjective Well-being Among Higher Vocational College Students: ...)." Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. Psychology & Psychiatry Journal, July 19, 2025; p 4559.