Effect of emotional intelligence on problematic mobile social media use: mediating role of peer relationships and experiential avoidance

This study investigates the relationship between emotional intelligence and the severity of problematic mobile social media use among Asian participants. Peer relationships and experiential avoidance independently mediate and sequentially mediate the relationship between emotional intelligence and problematic mobile social media use. Emotional intelligence positively influences peer relationships, which subsequently negatively affects experiential avoidance, ultimately reducing problematic mobile social media use. Both peer relationships and experiential avoidance are shaped by emotional intelligence and further contribute to an individual's problematic mobile social media use.