The Relationship Between Problematic Social Media Use and Time Spent on Social Media: Exploring Neuroticism as a Moderator

A growing body of research shows that social media use is positively correlated with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and neuroticism. Problematic social media use (PSMU), for the purpose of this study, was characterized by behaviors similar to those displayed in gambling and addiction such as shame, guilt, and loss of control. This study explored the relationship between PSMU and the amount of time spent on social media. It was predicted that the number of hours spent on social media would be positively correlated with PSMU and that an individual’s neuroticism score would have a moderating effect on this relationship. Data were collected from college students across the United States through an online survey as part of the Psi Beta National Research Project (N = 1,422). The survey included questions regarding PSMU, hours spent using social media, and personality. Results found a moderate correlation between problematic social media use and hours of daily media use. Neuroticism did not appear to have a moderating effect on the relationship. This study aimed to offer supporting data to further the understanding of the effects of social media on mental health. Our results can help provide a guide in which future studies can focus on improving social media use outcomes for all people.