Young adults’ problematic social media use, psychosocial well-being, and the need for support and treatment
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Faculty of Medicine, F202
Topic of the dissertation
Young adults’ problematic social media use, psychosocial well-being, and the need for support and treatment
Doctoral candidate
Master of Health Sciences Krista Hylkilä
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, Research unit of Health Sciences and Technology
Subject of study
Nursing science
Opponent
Professor Anna Axelin, University of Turku
Custos
Docent Niko Männikkö, University of Oulu
Problematic Social Media Use Impacts Well-Being – Young Adults Express Need for Support
Social media is deeply embedded in our daily lives – it serves as a channel for communication, networking, information seeking, and entertainment. At the same time, it presents challenges, especially for young adults navigating a period of significant life transitions. While social media can be a valuable resource, it can also negatively affect well-being, and for some, its use may become problematic. The World Health Organization already identified problematic social media use as a public health concern in 2015, and it is estimated that up to a quarter of the world’s population experiences some form of problematic digital media use, including social media.
The aim of Krista Hylkilä’s doctoral research (Master of Health Sciences) was to explore problematic social media use among young adults (aged 18–35) and examine its association with psychosocial well-being. In addition, the study aimed to identify the support and treatment needs of young adults experiencing problematic social media use.
The study was conducted in three phases. In the first phase, a systematic review (21 studies, n = 7,484) synthesized existing evidence on the relationship between problematic social media use and social well-being. The second phase consisted of a cross-sectional study (n = 381), which examined the associations between problematic social media use and psychosocial well-being, and identified risk profiles and predictive factors among young adults. In the third phase, a qualitative study explored Finnish young adults’ (n = 15) experiences and perceptions of support and treatment needs related to problematic social media use.
The results showed that problematic social media use is associated with psychosocial well-being – including increased loneliness and symptoms of depression – and that various psychosocial factors can predict problematic use. Three risk profiles were identified: low-risk, moderate-risk, and high-risk groups. Furthermore, young adults’ experiences highlighted a wide range of needs regarding support and care, underscoring the importance of developing preventive and treatment services at the individual, community, and societal levels.
The findings of the dissertation can be used to improve the identification of problematic social media use, as well as to inform the development of prevention and intervention strategies. The results also support the enhancement of knowledge and competencies among individuals and professionals alike.
The aim of Krista Hylkilä’s doctoral research (Master of Health Sciences) was to explore problematic social media use among young adults (aged 18–35) and examine its association with psychosocial well-being. In addition, the study aimed to identify the support and treatment needs of young adults experiencing problematic social media use.
The study was conducted in three phases. In the first phase, a systematic review (21 studies, n = 7,484) synthesized existing evidence on the relationship between problematic social media use and social well-being. The second phase consisted of a cross-sectional study (n = 381), which examined the associations between problematic social media use and psychosocial well-being, and identified risk profiles and predictive factors among young adults. In the third phase, a qualitative study explored Finnish young adults’ (n = 15) experiences and perceptions of support and treatment needs related to problematic social media use.
The results showed that problematic social media use is associated with psychosocial well-being – including increased loneliness and symptoms of depression – and that various psychosocial factors can predict problematic use. Three risk profiles were identified: low-risk, moderate-risk, and high-risk groups. Furthermore, young adults’ experiences highlighted a wide range of needs regarding support and care, underscoring the importance of developing preventive and treatment services at the individual, community, and societal levels.
The findings of the dissertation can be used to improve the identification of problematic social media use, as well as to inform the development of prevention and intervention strategies. The results also support the enhancement of knowledge and competencies among individuals and professionals alike.
Last updated: 8.8.2025