Associations between Internet-Based Professional Social Networking and Emotional Distress

Jones, J and Colditz, JB and Shensa, A and Sidani, JE and Lin, L and Terry, MA and Primack, BA (2016) Associations between Internet-Based Professional Social Networking and Emotional Distress. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 19 (10). pp. 601-608.

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Abstract

Professional social networking websites are commonly used among young professionals. In light of emerging concerns regarding social networking use and emotional distress, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association between frequency of use of LinkedIn, the most commonly used professional social networking website, and depression and anxiety among young adults. In October 2014, we assessed a nationally-representative sample of 1,780 U.S. young adults between the ages of 19 to 32 regarding frequency of LinkedIn use, depression and anxiety, and socio-demographic covariates. We measured depression and anxiety using validated Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures. We used bivariable and multivariable logistic regression to assess the association between LinkedIn use and depression and anxiety while controlling for age, sex, race, relationship status, living situation, household income, education level, and overall social media use. In weighted analyses, 72% of participants did not report use of LinkedIn, 16% reported at least some use but less than once each week, and 12% reported use at least once per week. In multivariable analyses controlling for all covariates, compared with those who did not use LinkedIn, participants using LinkedIn at least once per week had significantly greater odds of increased depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.31 - 3.38) and increased anxiety (AOR = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.72 - 4.53). LinkedIn use was significantly related to both outcomes in a dose-response fashion. Future research should investigate directionality of this association and possible reasons for it.

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Details

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
Creators/Authors:	Creators Email Pitt Username ORCID Jones, J Colditz, JB jbc28@pitt.edu JBC28 Shensa, A ars146@pitt.edu ARS146 Sidani, JE jes107@pitt.edu JES107 Lin, L Terry, MA Primack, BA bprimack@pitt.edu BPRIMACK
Centers:	Other Centers, Institutes, Offices, or Units > Center for Research on Media, Technology, and Health
Date:	2016
Date Type:	Publication
Journal or Publication Title:	Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking
Volume:	19
Number:	10
Page Range:	pp. 601-608
DOI or Unique Handle:	10.1089/cyber.2016.0134
Schools and Programs:	School of Medicine > Family Medicine
Refereed:	Yes
Article Type:	Research Article
Date Deposited:	30 Oct 2018 15:00
Last Modified:	30 Oct 2018 15:00
URI:	http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/35451

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