A study in Italy explores how extended thinking—worry, rumination, and desire—affects the connection between psychological distress and problematic social network use. Researchers propose that distress leads to extended thinking, which then results in problematic use of social networks. This research appears in the journal Addictive Behaviors.
Understanding Social Network Sites
Social network sites (SNSs) are online platforms where users create profiles, connect with others, and share content. Popular examples include Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). These sites promote communication and community building, helping users maintain social connections and express themselves.
The Problem of Excessive Use
While SNSs offer benefits, their use can become problematic. Problematic use refers to excessive engagement that harms daily life. This can include neglecting responsibilities, experiencing social isolation, and facing mental health issues. Constant comparisons with others and pressure to maintain an ideal online image can lead to anxiety and depression. Some users even develop addiction-like behaviors, feeling a compulsion to check social media constantly.
Research Goals
Sara Bocci Benucci and her team aimed to identify cognitive processes contributing to problematic social network use. They hypothesized that extended thinking styles—worry, rumination, and desire—play a key role. They believed psychological distress triggers these thinking styles, leading to problematic social network use.
Study Participants
The study involved 548 Italian social network users, averaging 29 years old. Of these participants, 69% were female. Educational backgrounds varied: 35% had a high school diploma, and 40% held a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Additionally, 59% were students or working students.
Assessment Tools
Participants completed various assessments to measure:
- Psychological Distress: Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21
- Rumination: Ruminative Response Scale
- Worry: Penn State Worry Questionnaire
- Desire Thinking: 10-item Desire Thinking Questionnaire
- Craving for Social Network Use: Modified Penn Alcohol Craving Scale
- Problematic Social Network Use: Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale
Key Findings
The results confirmed the researchers’ hypotheses. The statistical model showed that psychological distress leads to extended thinking styles (worry, rumination, desire thinking). These styles contribute to problematic social network use and increased cravings. The model effectively described the collected data.
Conclusion
The authors concluded, “The current findings provide preliminary evidence for the role of extended thinking in problematic social network use (PSNSU). Worry, rumination, and desire thinking may be central cognitive processes in eliciting craving and PSNSU among individuals experiencing psychological distress.”
Limitations
This study sheds light on cognitive processes linked to problematic social network use. However, the design does not establish cause and effect. The results suggest a plausible relationship among distress, extended thinking, and problematic social network use.
Research Publication
The paper, “Testing the role of extended thinking in predicting craving and problematic social network sites use,” was authored by Sara Bocci Benucci, Benedetta Tonini, Silvia Casale, and Giulia Fioravanti.
Source: https://www.psypost.org/worry-and-rumination-identified-as-key-cognitive-factors-in-addictive-social-media-use/