Cross-lagged panel analysis of the relationship between social networking sites use (SNSU) and sleep problems among university students

Sleep remains a cornerstone for sociopsychological well-being, but it is in decline, especially among today’s youth. Simultaneously, engagement with social media is escalating. Research has identified a link between social networking sites use and sleep problems; however, the nature and direction of the relations remain obscure. Therefore, it is imperative to pursue longitudinal research to elucidate this correlation and guide suitable intervention practices. The present study aimed to examine the reciprocal relationship between social networking sites use and sleep problems.

By adopting a three-stage cross-lagged design across four time points, assessment results from 194 university students were gathered at four-week intervals.

The findings indicate that (1) Social networking sites use was significantly greater in females than in males at all four time points, while sleep problems were significantly greater in females than in males at Time 3 and Time 4. (2) Sleep problems at the second time point serve as a positive predictor of subsequent social networking sites use at the third time point. (3) Social networking sites use at the initial time point could marginally significantly predict sleep problems at the fourth time point.

This study elucidates the dynamic relationship between social networking sites use and sleep problems across an academic term, suggesting the need for temporally tailored interventions.