Social Media Use And Mental Health In Hong Kong Youth: A Cross-Sectional Study On Anxiety And Depression

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined the connections between social media use and mental health in 106 young people in Hong Kong. Conducted in the post-pandemic era, it sought to understand how digital engagement influences the high rates of anxiety and depression among youth. Researchers employed an online survey to measure problematic social media use (via the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale), anxiety symptoms (GAD-7), depression symptoms (PHQ-9), and various behavioural and psychological factors, including usage habits, social comparison, rumination, sleep quality, and perceived social support. Key findings revealed that addictive patterns of social media use (BSMAS scores) had the strongest positive link to both anxiety and depression. This was closely followed by the tendency to compare oneself to others online. Other significant predictors for anxiety included frequent checking of notifications, carefully editing one’s profile, and ruminative thinking. For depression, frequent checking, rumination, and poor sleep quality were also significant contributors. A notable finding was that the total time spent on social media was inversely related to anxiety, suggesting that how one uses social media is more critical than the duration alone. The study concludes that the risk to mental health is primarily driven by compulsive, comparison-based usage rather than simple screen time. It underscores the urgent need for targeted public health strategies, such as promoting digital literacy and healthy sleep habits, to mitigate these risks while acknowledging the positive role social media can play in maintaining social connections.