Parenting-Related Social Networking Site Use and Psychological Distress in Parents of Infants: Cross-sectional Study Exploring the Moderating Effects of Loneliness and Parenting Anxiety

Abstract

Background: In the digital age, social networking sites (SNS) have revolutionized the approach to parenting. These platforms, widely used to access parenting information and support, have both positive and negative effects on parents, with negative effects potentially increasing for those experiencing loneliness or anxiety.Objective: This study aims to examine the relationship between SNS use and psychological distress among parents of young children, controlling for the moderating effects of loneliness and parenting anxiety. We hypothesized that higher SNS use correlates to greater psychological distress, particularly among parents with elevated levels of loneliness or parenting anxiety.