A Matter of Bonding: Investigating the Relationship Between Parental Care and Adolescents’ Problematic Social Media Use

Abstract Although parental bonding is a significant factor in problematic Internet use among adolescents, little is known about how it affects Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU). This study examines the influence of parental care on PSMU in a sample of 440 adolescents, proposing self-esteem and negative affect as mediators. Findings indicate that parental care is not directly related to PSMU; rather, it has an indirect effect on PSMU through these psychological factors. Both self-esteem and negative affect independently and sequentially mediate the relationship. The study highlights that low parental care contributes to PSMU via decreased self-esteem and increased negative emotions. Preventive efforts should focus on enhancing self-esteem and emotional regulation, as PSMU may function as a maladaptive coping strategy.