Perceived health threat, social media use, networking motivations, and life satisfaction among emerging adults in the post-COVID-19 era: A cross-sectional study

The impact of frequent social media use on subjective well-being has become a global concern, particularly during and after health threats. This study aimed to investigate the mediating roles of social media use and social networking motivations in the relationship between life satisfaction and perceived health threat (PHT) among emerging adults. A total of 259 participants aged 18 to 29 completed a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, social media use, social networking motives, life satisfaction, and perceived health threats. Participants who perceived a higher health threat reported lower life satisfaction. Excessive social media use was also linked to reduced life satisfaction. However, when social media use was motivated by genuine social connection, it was associated with higher life satisfaction. Both social media use and networking motives partially mediated the relationship between perceived health threat and life satisfaction. Emerging adults who felt more threatened by health issues tended to engage more frequently with social media, which in turn was generally associated with decreased life satisfaction. Nevertheless, when this engagement was motivated by genuine social connection, it could contribute positively to their well-being. These insights highlight the complex role of social media in shaping life satisfaction during global health threats.