Physical activity as a protective factor against anxiety disorder among social media addicted adolescents: a multivariate analysis in Physical Education context

Introduction: The rapid growth of social media use among adolescents has been associated with increasing levels of anxiety disorders. Despite extensive research on digital addiction and mental health, limited attention has been given to the role of physical activity within Physical Education (PE) as a protective factor against anxiety in adolescents with social media addiction. Objective: This study aims to examine the relationship between social media addiction and anxiety disorder, and to investigate the protective role of physical activity within the Physical Education context. Methodology: A cross-sectional design was employed involving 1,500 adolescents (M_age = 15.42 ± 1.67 years). Data were collected using validated instruments measuring social media addiction, anxiety disorder, and physical activity levels. Statistical analyses included CFA, reliability testing, and SEM. Results: Social media addiction significantly predicted anxiety disorder (β = 0.48, p < .001). Physical activity showed a significant negative association with anxiety (β = -0.36, p < .001) and acted as a moderating variable, weakening the relationship between social media addiction and anxiety disorder (β interaction = -0.18, p < .001). The model demonstrated good fit indices (CFI = 0.95; TLI = 0.94; RMSEA = 0.052; SRMR = 0.041). Conclusions: Physical activity plays a significant protective role in reducing anxiety among adolescents with social media addiction. Integrating structured physical activity into Physical Education programs may serve as an effective strategy for promoting mental health in school settings.