The Impact of Online Socialization on Adolescent Mental Health: The Mediating Role of Friendship Quality and Family Relationships

Abstract

In the age of advanced information networks, the importance of adolescent mental health has received increasing attention. While previous research has focused on the effects of friendship quality and online socialization behaviors on adolescent mental health, little is known about the mediating variables involved. This study is aimed at exploring the direct and mediating effects of online socialization on adolescent mental health, as well as the role of friendship quality and family relationships. A structural equation model was constructed based on questionnaire results from a sample of adolescents. The results indicated that active social networks promote healthy psychological development in adolescents, either directly or by enhancing friendship quality, but may reduce family relationships and suppress adolescent mental health. Passive social networks with a lack of communication, on the other hand, can negatively affect both friendship and family relationships, resulting in adverse emotions and detrimental effects on healthy development. Based on these findings, this study provides important insights for parents and educators to support the healthy psychological development of adolescents. Specifically, parents and educators should pay attention to adolescents’ online socialization behaviors and encourage healthy communication and interaction on social media. They should also promote strong and positive family relationships, which may mitigate the negative effects of passive social networks on adolescent mental health. This study adds to the theory of adolescent psychology research and offers practical recommendations for improving adolescent mental health.