Doomed to Scroll: Examining the Role of Motives in Problematic Social Media Use and Associated Psychopathologies

Authors

• Charlotte Eley, Florida Institute of Technology

Document Type

Poster

Publication Title

Northup Grumman Engineering & Science Student Design Showcase

Abstract

Problematic Social Media (PSMU) is a serious concern in society—as illustrated by recent lawsuits filed against big tech companies.

PSMU is related to anxiety and depression, but the directionality of that relationship remains unclear (Andreassen et al., 2016; Coyne et al., 2020).

Time spent on social media, by itself, is not a strong indicator of negative physical or mental health outcomes (Burénet al., 2023; Coyne et al., 2020), suggesting that certain motivational or dispositional factors may underlie and further explain PSMU.

This study aims to examine how one’s motives behind using social media relate to the experience of fear of missing out (FoMO), PSMU, and mental well-being (depression, anxiety, and stress).

Advisor

Travis W. Conradt

Publication Date

4-24-2026

Recommended Citation

Eley, Charlotte, "Doomed to Scroll: Examining the Role of Motives in Problematic Social Media Use and Associated Psychopathologies" (2026). Psychology Student Publications. 14.
https://repository.fit.edu/psy_student/14