Sleeping in the Digital Age: Investigating the Association Between Problematic Social Media Use and Sleep Among Dutch Adolescents, Moderated by Gender and Peer Support

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of social media use among adolescents has raised concerns about its potential impact on various aspects of their well-being, including sleep quality. This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by examining the association between problematic social media use and sleep quality in Dutch adolescents, while also exploring the moderating effects of gender and perceived peer support. The present study draws from data collected with the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in 2021. Data from adolescents in the Netherlands aged 11 to 17 years old (n = 6,820) were examined. Statistical analyses, including regression models and moderation analyses, were conducted to examine the associations between problematic social media use, sleep quality, gender and peer support. The results indicated a significant negative association between problematic social media use and sleep quality. The moderating effects of gender and perceived peer support on this relation were found to be non- significant in the current study. These findings underscore the need for further research to explore additional factors that may influence the association between problematic social media use and sleep quality in adolescents, which will help shape future policies aimed at healthier social media usage and improving sleep quality in young adolescents.