Effects of social networking service self-efficacy and perceived usefulness on depression among people with disabilities

Objectives: Social networking services (SNS) are increasingly recognized as digital health resources that may influence psychological well-being. This study examined whether SNS use, SNS self-efficacy, and SNS perceived usefulness were associated with depression among people with disabilities. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2022 Panel Survey of the Life of People with Disabilities in Korea. The analytic sample included 4,145 adults aged 20 years or older with complete responses. Depression was measured with the CES-D 11 scale. Chi-square tests and t-tests compared characteristics by SNS use, and multivariate logistic regression examined associations of SNS use, self-efficacy, and perceived usefulness with depression, adjusting for sociodemographic and disability-related covariates. Results: Of 4,145 participants, 509 (12.3%) were SNS users. SNS use was not significantly associated with depression. However, higher SNS self-efficacy and SNS perceived usefulness were associated with a lower risk of depression ( aOR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.81–0.98; aOR=0.91, 95% CI: 0.83–1.00). Subgroup analysis indicated an inverse association between SNS self-efficacy and depression only among participants with physical disabilities. Conclusion: Digital capacity and confidence, rather than SNS use alone, are key determinants of mental health among people with disabilities. Tailored digital literacy programs that address disability-specific needs may strengthen self-efficacy, reduce depression, and promote digital health equity.