Social Media Use Profiles and Well-Being: A Cross-Cultural Study Between Chinese and Italian Emerging Adults

Most research on social media use (SMU) and well-being employs a variable-centered approach within a single culture. This study aims to (1) identify SMU subgroups using multiple indicators (i.e., problematic SMU, SMU intensity, active SMU, passive SMU and nighttime SMU) among emerging adults; (2) examine the effects of different SMU patterns on social and mental well-being; and (3) explore cultural differences in SMU subgroups and well-being between China and Italy. Participants were 565 Chinese university students (370 females, M age = 19.54) and 425 Italian university students (308 females, M age = 22.03). Latent profile analysis identified four SMU profiles in the Chinese sample: Averaged (P1, n = 253, 44.8%), Overall Low with Passive Use (P2, n = 80, 14.2%), Overall High with Low Passive Use (P3, n = 98, 17.3%), and Average with High Intensity (P4, n = 134, 23.7%). P3 and P4 in the Chinese sample were found to have higher level of both social and mental well-being than P1 and P2. In the Italian sample, three profiles emerged: Averaged (P1, n = 175, 41.2%), Overall Low with Passive Use (P2, n = 82, 19.3%), and Overall High with Low Passive Use (P3, n = 168, 39.5%). P2 in the Italian sample had the lowest level of social well-being, whereas no significant difference was found on mental well-being across three Italian profiles. Profiles differences in well-being, as well as cultural commonalities and specificities, are discussed.