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Open Access 02-09-2022 | COVID-19 | Original Article

Experimental longitudinal evidence for causal role of social media use and physical activity in COVID-19 burden and mental health

Authors: Julia Brailovskaia, Verena J. Swarlik, Georg A. Grethe, Holger Schillack, Jürgen Margraf

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 11/2023

Abstract

Aim

The COVID-19 outbreak has severely impacted people’s mental health. The present experimental study investigated how to reduce this negative effect by a combination of two interventions.

Subject and methods

Participants (N_total = 642) were users of social media in Germany. For two weeks, the social media group (N = 162) reduced its social media use (SMU) by 30 minutes daily, the physical activity group (N = 161) increased its physical activity by 30 minutes daily, the combination group (N = 159) followed both instructions, and the control group (N = 160) did not get specific instructions. Online surveys assessed variables of SMU, physical activity, mental health, COVID-19 burden, and lifestyle at six measurement time points up to six months after the intervention.

Results

In the experimental groups, (addictive) SMU, depression symptoms, and COVID-19 burden decreased, while physical activity, life satisfaction, and subjective happiness increased. All effects were stronger and more stable in the combination group in the longer-term. Smoking behavior decreased in the social media group only.

Conclusion

Thus, the conscious combination of less SMU and more physical activity leads causally to more psychological resilience against negative pandemic impacts and to higher levels of mental health over six months. Prevention programs could improve their effectiveness by integrating the time- and cost-efficient interventions – separately or in combination.

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Title: Experimental longitudinal evidence for causal role of social media use and physical activity in COVID-19 burden and mental health
Authors: Julia Brailovskaia
Verena J. Swarlik
Georg A. Grethe
Holger Schillack
Jürgen Margraf
Publication date: 02-09-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: COVID-19
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 11/2023
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-022-01751-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Experimental longitudinal evidence for causal role of social media use and physical activity in COVID-19 burden and mental health

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Results

Conclusion

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