From Likes to Lows: A Serial Mediation Analysis of How Social Media Addiction, Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), Emotional Regulation, Assessment Engagement, and Assessment Anxiety Influence Depression Among Adolescents in Ghana
Cross-sectional survey reveals social media addiction and Fear of Missing Out heighten depression risk in adolescents, indicating mental health intervention needs.
Key Points
Social media addiction significantly elevates depression levels in adolescents, showing a direct effect and multiple indirect pathways.
Correlation analysis showed social media addiction correlates strongly with depression (r = 0.40), FoMO (r = 0.48), and emotional dysregulation (r = 0.44).
Cross-sectional design involved a survey of 1,350 adolescents aged 13 to 19 years across various regions, utilizing validated psychometric scales.
Findings underline the necessity for targeted interventions addressing emotional regulation and assessment anxiety to reduce depression among adolescents.