Investigating mediated effects of fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 misunderstanding in the association between problematic social media use, psychological distress, and insomnia

Abstract

Introduction Due to the serious situation of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide, many countries have implemented policies to minimize the spread of COVID-19 infection. However, some of these policies prevent people from physical contact. Consequently, many individuals may rely on social media to obtain information concerning COVID-19. Unfortunately, social media use (especially problematic social media use) may give rise to psychological distress. Therefore, this study thus examined potential psychopathology to explain the association between problematic social media use, psychological distress, and insomnia. Methods Utilizing an online survey, a sample of Iranian young adults (n = 1078 with 628 males; mean age = 26.24 years [SD ± 7.41]) completed questions and psychometric scales concerning psychological distress, insomnia, problematic social media use, fear of COVID-19, and COVID-19 misunderstanding. Results Problematic social media use was significantly associated with psychological distress both directly and indirectly. The indirect effects were through fear of COVID-19 (unstandardized coefficient [B] = 0.177; Bootstrapping SE = 0.026) and COVID-19 misunderstanding (B = 0.060; Bootstrapping SE = 0.014). Problematic social media use was significantly associated with insomnia both directly and indirectly. The indirect effect was through fear of COVID-19 (B = 0.062; Bootstrapping SE = 0.019) but not COVID-19 misunderstanding (B = 0.012; Bootstrapping SE = 0.014). Discussion/conclusion Due to the pressure of the COVID-19 outbreak, individuals are highly likely to develop psychological distress and insomnia. Apart from developing appropriate health policies to minimize the spread of COVID-19 infection, healthcare providers should design appropriate online campaigns to eliminate people's fear of COVID-19 and to diminish misunderstanding concerning COVID-19.

The Bittersweet Effects of COVID-19 on Mental Health: Results of an Online Survey among a Sample of the Dutch Population Five Weeks after Relaxation of Lockdown Restrictions

“…Surprisingly, social media use had not changed according to most people compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, and changes in social media use were also not significantly associated with participants' current level of emotional or social loneliness. This is not in line with other studies that reported an increase in social media use during the COVID-19 pandemic, and an association with loneliness, anxiety and depression [29][30][31]. It might be that this mainly holds for younger participants, as the age of participants in these studies was much lower.…”

Predicting health behavior in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Worldwide survey results from early March 2020

“…Specifically, in the general population, fear increased preventive measures [ 23 ], but it decreased health behavior among people with mental illness [ 24 ]. Social media also influence fear, and the public’s problematic information may increase fear and distress, impeding effective coping with the disease [ 25 ].…”

Anxiety and Suicidal Thoughts During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Country Comparative Study Among Indonesian, Taiwanese, and Thai University Students

“…Therefore, the importance of assessing psychological responses toward COVID-19 and their associated factors has been highlighted in the extant literature. More specifically, adverse effects of elevated psychological distress may trigger reassurance-seeking and compulsive-checking behaviors in response to potential threats of COVID-19 infection, which, in turn, may have an impact on the daily lives of individuals who impede preventive behaviors [ 15 , 16 ].…”

“…Apart from the HBM and PMT, the literature proposes the importance of obtaining accurate COVID-19 information from trusted sources. Indeed, misinformation concerning COVID-19 is associated with a greater fear of the disease [ 15 , 16 ]. Hou et al [ 31 ] reported that rumors and misinformation shared on the internet may induce panic behaviors such as purchasing herbal remedies via web-based shopping and storing them.…”