Social networking services (SNSs) are useful tools; however, problematic use leads to mental health problems. This study aimed to examine whether SNS addiction is associated with occupational dysfunction while considering the effects of depression. This cross-sectional study included 268 undergraduates who responded to the questionnaire on the frequency and time of SNS use, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), SNS-X scale, and the Classification and Assessment of Occupational Dysfunction (CAOD). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed effect of the SNS-X score for Instagram was significant (β = 0.174, p = .001) adjusted by the CES-D total score. However, the effect of frequency and time of SNS use were not significant. This suggests that SNS addiction, and not SNS use, is a factor associated with occupational dysfunction that should be emphasized and depression.
Plain Language Summary
Is addiction to SNSs associated with dysfunction in daily life?
Social networking services (SNSs) are useful tools for interacting and connecting with others. However, the problematic use of SNS has led to mental health problems. Researchers aimed to examine whether the addictive use of SNS, rather than the frequency or time of SNS use, was associated with problems in daily life. Young students in medical colleges were asked about their frequency and time of SNS use and to complete a questionnaire survey about their level of addiction to SNS, depression, and satisfaction with daily life performance. Statistical analysis of the data from 268 students who agreed to participate in the survey and responded to all questions showed that the frequency and time of SNS use had no or a negligible association with satisfaction with what they do in their daily lives. Conversely, the higher the degree of addiction to SNS, the lower the level of satisfaction with daily life performance. This trend was observed in the analysis that considered the effects of depression. Results suggest the need to investigate and address the factors that lead to addictive use of SNS, rather than restricting its use, to enhance the daily lives of young adults.
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