Mediating Effect of Perceived Ageism Experiences Between TikTok Addiction Symptoms and Psychological Distress: A...

TikTok addiction has been linked to depression and anxiety, yet mechanisms underlying this relationship remain underexplored. Based on the Social Comparison and Uses and Gratifications theories, this study examined whether perceived ageism experiences mediate the relationship between TikTok addiction and depression and anxiety among Lebanese adults. The research also explores, as a theoretical possibility, whether TikTok's algorithm may be associated with greater perceived ageism experiences, which in turn would relate to psychological distress.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 855 participants (mean age 24.39; 76.7% females) using the TikTok Addiction Test, WHO Ageism Scale, and PHQ-4. Data were analyzed using SPSS and mediation analysis via PROCESS Macro controlling for demographic and health covariates, such as gender, education level and a history of mental health diagnosis. The mediation analysis included 735 participants with complete data for all variables entered into the model.

TikTok addiction was positively associated with psychological distress. Perceived ageism experiences partially mediated this relationship (unstandardized indirect effect: B = 0.0149, BootSE = 0.005, 95% percentile bootstrapped CI [0.0058, 0.0255]). Higher TikTok addiction symptoms were associated with greater perceived ageism experiences, which were in turn associated with higher psychological distress levels. Demographic analysis showed that females, those with lower levels of education and individuals with a history of mental health diagnosis reported higher psychological distress. Age was negatively correlated with psychological distress, showcasing higher vulnerability among younger individuals.

Findings highlight perceived ageism experiences as a small but statistically significant mediator between addictive digital media use and psychological distress. The study emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive mental health and digital literacy interventions, as they aim to support the deconstruction of idealized youthful standards, particularly with the Lebanese context where digital media serves as escapism.