Aggression Mediates Relationships between Social Media Addiction and Adolescents’ Wellbeing

Abstract

Background: Digital technologies have an important role in human behavior and well-being. Aim: The study aimed to investigate the mediation role of aggression in the relationship between social media addiction and mental well-being. Methods: The study participants comprised 1354 adolescents, of whom 808 were female and 546 were male. The mean age of the participants was 14.12 (SD= 1.51). Data were gathered via the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. Results and Discussion: The results of the study demonstrated aggression to partially mediate the relationship between social media addiction and mental well-being. Hence, it can be said that social media addiction negatively predicts mental well-being through aggression. Conclusion: As a result, mental health professionals should take into account the role of social media addiction and aggression when they work with adolescents who need help to improve their mental well-being.