The Mediating Role of Rumination and Sleep Quality between Social Media Usage and Loneliness among Emerging Adults

Abstract

This study investigates the relationships among social media usage, loneliness, rumination, and sleep quality in college students in India. A sample of 200 participants aged 18-25 were recruited for this study. Participants were selected through convenience or purposive sampling. Online platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, and LinkedIn, along with Google Forms, were used for recruitment. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between social media usage, loneliness, rumination, and sleep quality. Mediation analysis revealed partial mediation of sleep quality and rumination between social media usage and loneliness. It also revealed that social media usage, rumination and sleep quality were also significant predictors of loneliness. Total mediation was also significant, emphasizing the overall impact of social media on loneliness through sleep quality and rumination. The need to create interventions promoting healthy social media engagement, such as digital detox programs, mindfulness training, and social skills development, and addressing underlying psychological needs was highlighted in the current study.