Associations of intensity and emotional connection related to online social networking use on the risk of incident depression among Chinese adolescents: A prospective cohort study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the longitudinal prediction of intensity and emotional connection (EC) related to online social networking use at baseline on the risk of incident depression at nine-month follow-up among adolescents. MethodsA total of 3196 secondary school students, who were online social networking users and free of depression at baseline, were included in this study. Multilevel logistic regression models were applied to investigate the longitudinal prediction of two dimensions of online social networking use intensity (social function use intensity (SFUI), entertainment function use intensity (EFUI)) and EC scores at baseline on incident depression at follow-up. ResultsThe incidence of depression was 23.37 per 100-person-years during a nine-month follow-up period. Baseline SFUI and EFUI scores were significantly associated with higher level of incident depression (adjusted OR = 1.017, 95% CI: 1.004–1.029 for SFUI, p = 0.010; adjusted OR = 1.046, 95% CI: 1.012–1.080 for EFUI, p = 0.007), after adjustment of significant background factors and baseline depressive symptom score. The associations of EC at baseline and its interaction with SFUI and EFUI on incident depression were statistically non-significant. ConclusionOnline social networking use seems be a risk factor of depression among adolescents, regardless of its specific functions. Early intervention is recommended to reduce the level of online social networking use intensity as a means of preventing depression among adolescents.