Network Analysis of Association Between Problematic Social Network Use and Alexithymia in Freshmen.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Network Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Problematic social network use (PSNU) is prevalent among university freshmen.
• Alexithymia, characterized by difficulty identifying and expressing emotions, may be linked to PSNU.
• Understanding the network structure of these conditions is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore core and bridge nodes in PSNU and alexithymia among freshmen.
• To provide a basis for understanding the relationship between PSNU and alexithymia.
• To identify potential targets for intervention.

Main Methods:

• Surveyed 4057 freshmen from four universities using the Problematic Mobile Social Media Use Assessment Questionnaire and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS).
• Employed network analysis using R to map connections and identify key nodes based on centrality and predictability.
• Validated findings using accuracy and stability techniques, and examined demographic differences.

Main Results:

• Excessive swiping and lack of control over phone usage were key nodes in PSNU.
• Cognitive failure emerged as a central node in the PSNU-alexithymia network.
• Difficulty identifying feelings, externally oriented thoughts, and cognitive failure acted as significant bridge nodes.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive failure is a central factor in freshmen's problematic social network use.
• Specific alexithymia facets, including difficulty identifying feelings and externally oriented thinking, are critical links to PSNU.
• The findings highlight the interconnectedness of cognitive and emotional factors in PSNU.