The Role of Overthinking Between Digital Media Use and Insomnia among Adults

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine if examining the tendency to overthink may help understand the relationship between use of digital media and severity of insomnia among young adults of Pakistan. Methodology: This research employed a correlational design. A total of 300 participants between the ages of 18 and 52 years (mean age = 26.44 years; SD = 7.19 years) were included in the study, including 180 females and 120 males. A set of three tools were used to collect data for the study. The tools included: Social Media Use Integration Scale (SMUS); Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). After collection of data, correlations and regression analysis, independent samples ‘t’ tests and mediation analysis were performed using the PROCESS Macro (Model 4) in SPSS. Results: Positive correlations were found between the use of digital media, overthinking, and the severity of insomnia. Use of digital media was related to overthinking (r = .52, p < .01) and insomnia (r = .66, p < .01) in the expected directions. Overthinking was also associated with insomnia (r = .62, p < .01). Results of a simple linear regression indicated digital media use was related to insomnia in the predicted direction (R² = .438, B = .373, t = 15.236, p < .001). Partial mediation was found for overthinking between the use of social media and insomnia (Indirect Effect = .0654, SE = .0153, 95% Bootstrap CI = [.0355, .0957]). From a series of independent sample t-tests, it was found that, in general, women endorsed more use of digital media, overthinking, and insomnia when compared to men. Conclusion: These results show how negative digital media use can lead to bedtime negative cognitions that contribute to the inability to fall or stay asleep, and how negative digital media use can lead to an inability to control negative cognitions. The results demonstrate a lack of gender-specific digital wellness programs that include elements of cognitive restructuring and integration of mindfulness and digital detox practices.

Keywords: Digital media use, Overthinking, Insomnia, Young adults