The role of loneliness and self-concept clarity in the relationship between problematic mobile social network usage and social anxiety among college students
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Previous studies demonstrated a correlation between problematic mobile social network usage and social anxiety among college students, but the mechanisms of the relationship have not been fully understood. Objective: The present study aims to examine the mediating role of loneliness and the moderating effect of self-concept clarity in the relationship between problematic mobile social network usage and social anxiety among college students. Methods: A total of 1,021 college students (mean age = 18.06, SD = 0.26) completed the UCLA Loneliness Scale, Interaction Anxiousness Scale, Problematic Mobile Social Network Usage Scale, and Self-concept Clarity Scale. Results: Results confirmed that problematic mobile social network usage significantly predicts social anxiety. Loneliness mediated this relationship, and self-concept clarity significantly moderated the mediation process. Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of addressing problematic mobile social network usage and loneliness in interventions aimed at reducing social anxiety among college students.
Source: Frontiers in Psychology
Authors: Hao Fang, Xiaoyu Xu, Shuyi Yang
Institution: Zhejiang Agricultural Business College
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4417146104