Associations between Internet-Based Professional Social Networking and Emotional Distress

Professional social networking websites are commonly used among young professionals. In light of emerging concerns regarding social networking use and emotional distress, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association between frequency of use of LinkedIn, the most commonly used professional social networking website, and depression and anxiety among young adults. In October 2014, we assessed a nationally-representative sample of 1,780 U.S. young adults between the ages of 19 to 32 regarding frequency of LinkedIn use, depression and anxiety, and socio-demographic covariates. We measured depression and anxiety using validated Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures. We used bivariable and multivariable logistic regression to assess the association between LinkedIn use and depression and anxiety while controlling for age, sex, race, relationship status, living situation, household income, education level, and overall social media use. In weighted analyses, 72% of participants did not report use of LinkedIn, 16% reported at least some use but less than once each week, and 12% reported use at least once per week. In multivariable analyses controlling for all covariates, compared with those who did not use LinkedIn, participants using LinkedIn at least once per week had significantly greater odds of increased depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.31 - 3.38) and increased anxiety (AOR = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.72 - 4.53). LinkedIn use was significantly related to both outcomes in a dose-response fashion. Future research should investigate directionality of this association and possible reasons for it

Exploring the associations between internet-based professional social networking and emotional distress

Young professionals commonly use professional social networking websites. In light of emerging concerns regarding social networking use and emotional distress, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association between frequency of use of LinkedIn, the most commonly used professional social networking website, and depression and anxiety among young adults. In October 2014, we assessed a nationally-representative sample of 1,787 U.S. young adults between the ages of 19 to 32 regarding frequency of LinkedIn use, depression and anxiety, and socio-demographic covariates. We measured depression and anxiety using validated Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures. We used bivariable and multivariable logistic regression to assess the association between LinkedIn use and depression and anxiety while controlling for age, sex, race, relationship status, living situation, household income, education level, and overall social media use. In weighted analyses, 72% of participants did not report the use of LinkedIn, 16% reported at least some use but less than once each week, and 12% reported use at least once per week. In multivariable analyses controlling for all covariates, compared with those who did not use LinkedIn, participants using LinkedIn at least once per week had significantly greater odds of increased depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.31-3.38) and increased anxiety (AOR = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.72-4.53). LinkedIn use was significantly related to both outcomes in a dose-response fashion. As depression and anxiety become leading contributors to disability adjusted life years, it is important to recognize the implications of these disorders and acknowledge them as major public health problems. Future research should investigate directionality of the found association and possible reasons to better address the burden associated with depression and anxiety

The Use of Social Media by Young Adults and Adolescents in Relationship to Anxiety: A Systematic Literature Review

Anxiety is a common mental health concern amongst young adults and adolescents, which may consequently lead to social and cognitive barriers. A limited number of studies have looked at the possible relationship between youth\u27s social media use and anxiety. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to identify, review, synthesize, and analyze current evidence on the relationship between adolescent and young adult use of social media and anxiety. A systematic search was conducted using the following database: PsychINFO. After review of abstracts, full texts, and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria 7 studies remained. A descendant search yielded one study resulting in a final sample of 8 quantitative, non-experimental, primary research studies. Three studies showed a relationship between time spent on social media and anxiety, suggesting that time spent on social media may be linked to anxiety. Two studies failed to find a significant relationship between types of social media and anxiety, maybe further supporting time as a key factor in the development of anxiety. Future research is needed to determine if anxiety leads to more frequent social media use, or if increased use leads to anxiety. Additional data may aid in the creation of policies that guide standards of care, such as screening instruments and use recommendations. These standards could be used by nurses to assess for social media related anxiety and reduce social media use

Stress and Social Media: Implications for Nurses\u27 Quality of Life

This study sought to explore relationships between nurse stress, social media use, and emotional wellbeing. Social media being such a popular trend, has been studied a lot in recent years to determine impacts on health. Nurses are also impacted by this societal trend and research has not focused on this particular group to see how it impacts their emotional wellbeing. The framework for this research was Cognitive-Relational Theory and Margaret Newman’s Theory of Expanding Consciousness. A review of literature was performed to gather data on direct care nurse stress, social media use, coping mechanisms, quality of life, and strategies for improvement. A voluntary survey was sent out through the local nurses’ organizational newsletter with participation from 55 direct care nurses. Relationships with overall work related stress and total quality of life scores were found, but no relationship was found between the total group’s social media use and work related stress scores. A slight relationship was found between the 18-29 year old group social media use and work related stress score, p=0.06, with lower rates of work related stress correlating with increased use of social media. There was no significance, p=0.78, in the relationship between social media use and emotional wellbeing. Mean scores on two of the social wellbeing questions on the MHC-SF indicate a need for further investigation into impacts that social media has on the way nurses perceive society and how this impacts the care they provide to their patients. There were several limitations of the study, and further investigation is indicated, as results contradict results from other findings in the general population

The Influence of Ethnicity on the Impact of Cyberbullying Among Adults

Ethnicity is a factor that predicts how a person is impacted by cyberbullying, but to date little research has been conducted to investigate this phenomenon. Some researchers have reported that individuals belonging to ethnic minorities may have a greater overall resistance to bullying behavior and bias due to stress inoculation. The purpose of this study was to determine if ethnic minority status serves as a protective factor against the negative impact of cyberbullying in adults. This research study was guided by inoculation and socio-ecological systems theories. A convenience sample of 618 American adults who use social media at least 3 hours per week was used. The Cyberbullying Victimization Scale was used to measure 3 areas of cyberbullying victimization, and a demographic survey was used to measure gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, income level, religious affiliation, and marital status. Data were analyzed using multivariate multiple regression to identify if ethnicity and the covariates are related to the experience of cyberbullying victimization. The results of the present study lent support to the socio-ecological systems theory, suggesting that participants’ various socio-ecological systems impacted their experience with cyberbullying victimization. However, the results of the statistical analyses provided conflicting results with regard to inoculation theory and stress inoculation. The aim of this study has been to promote awareness of this growing social problem among adults and to encourage more rapid and effective intervention to cyberbullying. Increased awareness and potential interventions developed as a result of the findings in this study could promote positive social change by helping adult cyberbullying victims to recover more quickly and offer them better coping strategies in the future