ArticleFrontiers in sociology2023
The double-edged impact of Internet use on mental health outcomes among Filipino university students: the mediating role of online social support.
Article in Frontiers in sociology, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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3 citing papers in PubMed.
- [Effect of network literacy on depression levels among young adults: an analysis based on China Family Panel Studies].Zhejiang da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban = Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences · 2026Article
- Relationships Among Mobile Internet Use, Social Support, and Depressive Symptoms: Prospective Cohort Study Among Community Residents.Journal of medical Internet research · 2025Article
- Internet use and self-rated health among Chinese older adults: the role of social engagement and social support.Frontiers in public health · 2024Article
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5 authors.
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Abstract
Introduction: Evidence supports both the positive and negative effects of Internet use on mental health outcomes, but it remains unclear on the role of online social support in this relationship. This study examined the link between daily hours of general Internet use and bidimensional mental health (BMMH) through the pathway of online social support (OSSS). Methods: Drawing from a sample of 247 Filipino university students, this cross-sectional study tested two simple mediation models that considered mental wellbeing and psychological distress as outcome variables. Results: Findings show that the total effect of Internet use is positive and negative for mental wellbeing and psychological distress, respectively. Online social support mediated the favorable effects of Internet use on BMMH outcomes. However, the introduction of OSSS as a mediator yielded residual direct effects with opposing signs for both models. The resultant inconsistent mediation in the models signifies the double-edged impact of Internet use on mental health, with favorable effects transmitted through online social support. Discussion: Findings highlight the importance of online social support as a pathway to harness the positive effects of Internet on mental health. Recommendations to improve online social support for students are discussed herein.
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