Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: Addictive social media use, depression, anxiety and stress in quarantine – an exploratory study in Germany and Lithuania

Highlights

• Individuals who are in domestic quarantine due to COVID-19 have enhanced levels of addictive social media use (SMU).

• Addictive SMU is positively linked to symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.

• This link is particularly strong in individuals who are in COVID-19 quarantine.

Abstract

Background

To slow down the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments of many countries introduced various behavioral measures starting March 2020. The measures included domestic quarantine (not leaving home) for infected or potentially infected people. Due to the need for social distancing, online activity increased in spring 2020. This could foster the risk for addictive social media use (SMU). The present study investigated tendencies of addictive SMU and their relationship with depression, anxiety and stress symptoms specifically among individuals who stayed in domestic quarantine due to COVID-19 in Germany and Lithuania.

Methods

In Germany (N = 529; quarantine group: n = 157, non-quarantine group: n = 372) and in Lithuania (N = 325; quarantine group: n = 54, non-quarantine group: n = 271), data were assessed via online surveys in spring 2020.

Results

In both countries, persons in quarantine had higher levels of addictive SMU, depression, anxiety and stress symptoms than individuals who were not in quarantine. The difference was significant only for addictive SMU in the German sample. The significant positive correlations between addictive SMU and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were stronger in both quarantine groups than in the non-quarantine groups.

Limitations

The mostly female, young and well-educated composition of both investigated samples limits generalizability of the current findings.

Conclusions

Results reveal first evidence that the use of social media during domestic COVID-19 quarantine might contribute to the increase of addictive tendencies and negatively impact well-being. Alternative ways of daily routine during the quarantine are discussed.