The Mediating Role of Physical Activity in the Relationship Between Social Anhedonia and Social Media Addiction in Young Adults

Purpose: Addictive social media use is becoming increasingly common among young adults, leading to a shift in attention away from physical activities and towards a more sedentary lifestyle. In recent years, there has been increasing awareness that social anhedonia may play a critical role in the overuse of social media. The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of physical activity in the relationship between social anhedonia and social media addiction.

Methods: A total of 218 college students (mean age= 21.39±1.75) completed the questionnaires. Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), Revised Social Anhedonia Scale (RSAS) and International Physical Activity Scale-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) used to assess social media addiction, social anhedonia, and level of physical activity respectively. Mediation analyses were conducted by using PROCESS macro in the SPSS software.

Results: BSMAS and RSAS scores were statistically significantly correlated (r=0.242 p<0.001). IPAQ-SF were also found to be statistically significantly associated with RSAS score (r=-0.138 p=0.042). When IPAQ-SF level is included in the significant relationship between RSAS and BSMAS scores, it was shown to play a mediating role.

Discussion: This study shows that physical activity mediates the relationship between social anhedonia and social media addiction in university students. This relationship highlights the potential preventive role of physical activity in mitigating social media addiction among individuals experiencing anhedonia. Future research could develop comprehensive intervention strategies that examine the effects of social programs aimed at increasing participation in physical activity on face-to-face communication and digital addiction.

Key Words: Social anhedonia, social media addiction, physical activity, mediation