Abstract
The internet has become the central technology around which the information society revolves, and it’s also the fastest-spreading technology in human history. Parallel to its widespread presence, two other technologies have also expanded significantly in recent years: mobile phones and online social networks (OSN). The abusive and problematic use of various technologies is leading to a line of analysis and research focused on studying the addiction they cause and the potential consequences this entails. Evidence suggests that depression can act as a risk factor for developing an internet addiction, as it serves as a mechanism for escape and immediate gratification from depressive symptoms, thus revealing a complex bidirectional relationship. The purpose of this research is to analyze the relationship between excessive social media use and depression in nursing students. The sample consisted of 165 students aged 18 to 30, with 81.2% being women and 18.8% men. The instruments used were the “Social Media Addiction Scale-Student Form” (SMAS-SF) and the Beck Depression Inventory. The results show the highest mean of 9.2 in the factor of satisfaction from being connected. 10.9% of the participants presented a moderate level of depression. A positive and significant association was found between levels of depression and factors of OSN addiction.
Presenters
Veronica OrtegaResearch Professor at the Academic Nursing Unit, Technology / Innovation / Research Group on Addictions, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico Maricruz Vidales Jara
Docente Investigador, Unidad Académica de Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
KEYWORDS
Depression Social Media, University Students,Social Media Addiction, Mental Health
