From scrolling to spiraling: exploring the mediation role of self-esteem between social media rumination and internalizing symptoms

Aim: Given the ubiquitous use of social media among young adults, understanding its impact on their psychological well-being is increasingly important. Research has identified negative associations between social media use and internalizing problems, such as depression and anxiety. Building on the previous research, the current study explored the mediating role of self-esteem in the associations between social media rumination (SMR) and symptoms of depression and anxiety in college students. Additionally, the study investigated the moderating role of gender in these associations. Methods: The study sample consisted of 551 college students (mean age = 19 years; 36% men, 23.8% White) from a diverse midwestern university. The participants completed measures of depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), self-esteem (RSES), and SMR (Social Media Rumination Scale [SMRS]). An exploratory factor analysis was performed on the SMRS and supported a one-factor structure for the measure. Main analyses were conducted in R using PROCESS Model 4 and examined the associations between SMR and symptoms of depression and anxiety, with self-esteem as a mediator, and gender as a moderator. Additionally, time spent on social media and the number of posts per week were included as covariates in the analyses. Results: Results indicated that SMR, above and beyond time spent on social media and type of engagement, was indirectly associated with depression and anxiety through self-esteem, and gender did not moderate these associations. Conclusions: The study’s findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms linking social media use to internalizing problems, highlighting the crucial role of self-esteem in this process. Moreover, the study offers valuable insights for developing targeted interventions aimed at mitigating the negative effects of social media use on mental health by addressing SMR and bolstering self-esteem in young adults.