Problematic Social Media Use Among University Entrance Test-Takers: Prevalence, Psychosocial Factors, and a Mediation-Moderation Model

Abstract

Background

Social media has become integral to daily life, but problematic social media use (PSMU) is an emerging public health concern. Few studies have specifically examined PSMU among university admission test-takers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of PSMU, the mediating role of social media use duration and the moderating effect of perceived social support on the relationship between psychological distress and PSMU among university entrance test-takers in Bangladesh.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2025, involving 1139 students preparing for university admission tests. Data on sociodemographic, admission-related factors, mental health symptoms, perceived stress, social support, and PSMU were collected. Data analysis involved Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM) using IBM SPSS 26 and R (lavaan package).

Results

The prevalence of PSMU was 21.2%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that social media use duration, cigarette smoking, fracture in body parts, depression (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.10–2.34), and high stress (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.03–2.64) had significantly increased odds of developing PSMU. Participants with moderate social support had higher likelihood of PSMU (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.05–2.16). SEM analysis indicated that anxiety (β = 0.37, p = 0.009) and stress (β = 0.27, p < 0.001) had significant direct effects on PSMU, whereas depression did not directly influence PSMU. Social media use duration significantly mediated 24.7% of the effect of stress on PSMU (indirect β = 0.089, p = 0.003), but no significant mediation was found for anxiety or depression. Perceived social support did not significantly moderate the relationships between psychological distress and PSMU.

Conclusion

Anxiety, stress, and social media usage duration contribute to PSMU. These results inform targeted interventions to mitigate PSMU behaviors and support mental health in this vulnerable group.