Social Media Use Soon After Waking and Depression Among U.S. Adults

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Social media use is widespread and linked to depression.
• The specific impact of social media use shortly after waking versus total daily use on depression remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between social media use soon after waking and depression in U.S. adults.
• To compare this association with total daily social media use and depression.

Main Methods:

• A national survey of U.S. adults aged 30-70 was conducted in July-August 2023.
• Data included social media use (soon after waking and total time), sociodemographics, and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9).
• Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used for analysis.

Main Results:

• One-third (33%) of participants reported depression.
• Both total social media use and use soon after waking were initially associated with depression.
• When analyzed together, only social media use soon after waking remained significantly associated with depression.
• Frequent use of social media soon after waking was associated with over double the odds of depression (AOR=2.05).

Conclusions:

• Social media use shortly after waking, rather than total time spent, is a significant predictor of depression in U.S. adults.
• The relationship may be bidirectional, with potential implications for mental health interventions targeting morning routines.