The Effects of SNS Use Motivation, Intensity of Use, Usage Behavior, and Self-Esteem on College Students’ Depression

This study analyzed the impact of college students' SNS use motivation, intensity of use, and usage behavior on depression, and explored how self-esteem regulates this relationship.The study was conducted on 230 college students from universities in Korea, and the main results are as follows.First, the motivation for using SNS (pursuing interpersonal relationships, self-expression, seeking information, seeking entertainment) did not significantly predict depression.Second, in the case of SNS use intensity, physical use intensity had a positive effect on depression, while emotional use intensity had a negative effect.Third, when SNS use behavior was divided into active use and passive use, active use had a negative effect on depression, and passive use had a positive effect.Fourth, it was revealed that people with high self-esteem were less likely to experience depression, a negative effect caused by SNS use.The results suggest that in order to reduce the negative impact of college students' SNS use on their emotional health, it is important to find ways to control the SNS use intensity and usage behavior and increase self-esteem.The results of this study emphasize the need to encourage positive use of SNS through educational programs and social campaigns targeting college students who heavily use SNS.