Use of Multiple Social Media Platforms and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: A Nationally-Representative Study...

While increased social media use (SMU) has been associated with depression and anxiety, the independent role of using multiple social media platforms is unclear.

We surveyed a nationally-representative sample of 1787 U.S. young adults ages 19-32. Dependent variables were both depression and anxiety symptoms measured using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). We assessed use of multiple social media platform with an adapted Pew Internet Research scale. We used ordered logistic regression models to assess associations between multiple platform use and mental health outcomes while controlling for eight covariates, including overall SMU.

Compared to those who used 0-2 social media sites, participants who used 7-11 social media sites had substantially higher odds of having increased levels of both depression (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=3.0, 95% CI=1.9-4.8) and anxiety symptoms (AOR=3.2, 95% CI=2.0-5.1). Associations were linear (p<.001 for all) and robust to all sensitivity analyses.

Use of multiple social media platforms is strongly and independently associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, even when controlling for overall SMU. Future research should determine directionality and reasons for these associations. In the meantime, associations are strong enough to caution people with depression and anxiety about this potential contributing factor.