The relation between (problematic) social media use and physical activity; a two-wave study

Introduction This study investigated the longitudinal effects of (problematic) social media use on physical activity levels among adolescents and the extent to which gender moderated this relationship. Methods A total of 387 adolescents (Mage = 13.8 years; 54.5% female) participated in two annual measurements, using online self-report questionnaires. Results Results show a significant negative effect between problematic social media use at T1 and physical activity at T2, no significant effect of intensity of social media use on physical activity was found. That is, problematic social media use predicted decreased physical activity among adolescents 1 year later. In addition, sex did not significantly moderate the main effects. Discussion Thus, social media use negatively affects physical activity levels only when social media is used in a problematic manner. Just the intensity of social media use does not lead to decreased physical activity.