Relationship Between Internet and Social Media Use and Psychosocial Health in Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: This study was conducted to examine the relationship between internet and social media use and psychosocial health among pregnant women.Material and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out with 392 pregnant women between September and October 2020. Data were collected through internet forums and social media platforms using a personal information form developed by the researchers, together with the Social Network Addiction Scale for Adults and the Prenatal Psychosocial Health Assessment Scale. Participants’ sociodemographic, obstetric, and internet use characteristics were evaluated, and non-parametric statistical methods were used for data analysis.Results: The majority of participants (n = 359, 91.6%) reported using the internet and social media to obtain pregnancy-related information. The level of social network addiction was moderate (median: 47, IQR: 27–68), while psychosocial health levels were low (median: 2.04). A weak but statistically significant positive association was found between increased social media use and psychosocial health scores. Additionally, psychosocial health scores differed according to certain obstetric characteristics and internet use habits.Conclusion: Pregnant women widely use the internet and social media to meet their informational and support needs during pregnancy. Although the level of social media use was moderate, increased use was positively associated with psychosocial health scores. Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses and midwives, should guide pregnant women toward reliable digital health resources. Further longitudinal and qualitative studies are needed to clarify the direction and mechanisms of this relationship.