University of Twente Student Theses
The Relationship between Social Media Use, Emotion Regulation and Mental Well-being : A Systematic Review
Middendorf, Cedric Leonard (2025) The Relationship between Social Media Use, Emotion Regulation and Mental Well-being : A Systematic Review.
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| Abstract: | This study systematically reviews the relationship between social media use (SMU), emotion regulation (ER), and mental well-being (MWB) among adolescents and young adults. By synthesizing findings from 12 studies, it highlights ER’s role as both a mediator and moderator in this relationship. SMU influences MWB through adaptive and maladaptive ER strategies, with outcomes shaped by individual, contextual, and platform-specific factors. Adaptive strategies like cognitive reappraisal have been found to increase resilience and emotional recovery, decreasing the negative influence of SMU. Maladaptive strategies such as rumination and suppression are linked to emotional distress and problematic SMU behaviors. Developmental factors, gender related factors, and platform features further moderate these influences. On the one hand, platforms that promote passive consumption amplify emotional dysregulation. On the other hand, active engagement on SM platforms may support healthy ER patterns and positive MWB outcomes. Also, Neurocognitive factors played a moderating role, here stronger frontoparietal connectivity was associated with greater use of adaptive ER strategies. These findings imply a bidirectional and reinforcing nature of the SMU, ER and MWB relationship, where maladaptive SMU sustains emotional distress, increasing reliance on maladaptive ER behaviors. Thus, this review calls for targeted interventions, including digital literacy programs, mindfulness training, and platform design changes to promote active and meaningful engagement on SM platforms reducing risks of passive SMU. Future research should strive for longitudinal and experimental studies to establish causality and explore the unique impacts of emerging social media platforms. Thus, this study provides crucial insights into fostering healthier social media habits and enhancing emotional resilience in an increasingly digital world. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/105112 |
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