Exploring the Bidirectional Relationship and the Impact of Social Media Induced Sleep Disturbances and Depressive Symptoms in Young Adults

Abstract

The study explores the link between social media-induced sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms in young adults aged 18-35 years, highlighting the importance of understanding the interaction between these two factors. The research uses multiple linear regression analysis to find a strong positive impact of social media-induced sleep disturbances on depressive symptoms on 172 young adults (86 males and 86 females). The Beck’s Depression Inventory and Pittsburgh’s Sleep Quality Index and the Social Media Disorder Scale were used as predictors. The study emphasizes the significance of these determinants for mental health, as they explain a significant portion of the variation in depression symptoms. The findings underscore the need for targeted treatments to mitigate the negative effects of excessive social media use on mental health. This research provides valuable insights for guiding mental health policy and therapies in the digital age.