Time spent on social media and depressive symptoms in university students: The mediating role of psychoactive substances.

Rafaela SirtoliRubén Fernández-RodríguezTeresa Balboa-CastilloRenne RodriguesMiriam Garrido-MiguelArthur Eumann MesasGladys MoralesCamilo Molino Guidoni

Published in: The American journal on addictions (2024)

Our data suggest a direct relationship between TSSM and depressive symptoms, with a partial mediation effect of psychoactive substance use. This study highlights the importance that public health initiatives aimed at preventing depressive problems in young adults should focus not only on TSSM, but also on controlling and reducing psychoactive substance use.

Keyphrases

social media
depressive symptoms
public health
social support
young adults
health information
mental health
sleep quality
bipolar disorder
electronic health record
drinking water
quality improvement
healthcare
machine learning
deep learning