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Why we scroll matters: Motivations as mediators between social media and psychological stress.

DescriptionAs social media (SM) becomes more integrated into daily life, concerns about its impact on stress and well-being have grown. This study explores how users' motivations for engaging with SM influence the relationship between SM use and perceived stress. Using data from 259 undergraduate students, we tested whether motivations such as escapism, inclusion, relaxation, and affection mediate the link between SM use and stress outcomes. Structural equation modeling revealed that time spent on SM alone did not directly predict stress. Instead, motivations played a crucial role: individuals who used SM for escapism or inclusion reported higher stress levels, suggesting that coping mechanisms and social validation needs drive stress-related engagement. These findings challenge the notion that reducing screen time alone can improve mental health, emphasizing instead that understanding why individuals use SM is critical. Interventions aimed at promoting digital well-being should focus on addressing users’ underlying motivations, helping them recognize when engagement is being used to manage stress in unhealthy ways. This research contributes to a growing understanding of how psychological needs and motivations shape SM behaviors and offers insights for creating healthier digital environments through user-centered design and education.

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