Lower Mindfulness is Associated with Problematic Social Media Use: A Meta-Analysis
Jai Meynadier, J. Malouff, Natasha M. Loi, N. Schutte
Current Psychology March 30, 2023 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04587-0 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Meta-analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 5,355 |
| Population | Participants across 14 studies of trait mindfulness and problematic social media use |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Lower trait mindfulness was associated with more problematic social media use, with a weighted effect size of r = -.37 (95% CI [-.42, -.33]) across 14 studies and 5,355 participants. |
Abstract
Problematic social media use consists of use that interferes with individuals’ functioning, such as for example in failing to complete important tasks. A number of studies have investigated the association of trait mindfulness with problematic social media use. This meta-analysis synthesised research from 14 studies and a total of 5355 participants to examine the association between mindfulness and problematic social media use across studies. A lower level of mindfulness was associated with more problematic social media use, with a weighted effect size of r = -.37, 95% CI [-.42, -.33], k = 14, p < .001.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Is digital detox and mindfulness a game-changing combination for Instagram use and body image outcomes? Results from an experimental intervention study. Body image October 17, 2026
- The relationship between trait mindfulness and problematic smartphone use: the serial mediation role of difficulties with emotion regulation and fear of missing out. Psychology, Health & Medicine September 8, 2026
- Erosion or protection? Testing directionality between problematic social media use and mindfulness over one year using a latent cross-lagged panel model. Addictive Behaviors August 16, 2026
- Problematic Social Media Use and Mental Health: The Mediating Role of Mindfulness Psychiatry International June 11, 2026
- Latent profile analysis of mindfulness and experiential avoidance associated with social media use disorder. BMC Psychology June 8, 2026
and 1 more in the library
Cites 8
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Assessing mindfulness in children and adolescents: Development and validation of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM). Psychological Assessment April 11, 2011
- New Evidence in the Booming Field of Online Mindfulness: An Updated Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials JMIR Mental Health February 23, 2021
- Meditation and telomere length: a meta-analysis Psychology and Health January 5, 2020
and 3 more in the library