Problematic social media use, boredom proneness, and psychological distress among university students in China and Japan: A cross-national network analysis.

Problematic social media use (PSMU) has been associated with negative effects such as depression and anxiety across different countries and cultures. However, research on specific symptoms of PSMU and its correlates across nations remains limited. The present study aimed to compare the relationships of PSMU, boredom proneness, and psychological distress symptoms in China and Japan using network analysis. Questionnaire surveys were conducted among undergraduates in China and Japan. Participants included 822 students in China (mean age = 18.36, SD = 0.80) and 698 in Japan (mean age = 19.66, SD = 2.16). Network analysis was employed to estimate the symptom network structures, identify the most central symptoms, and compare the networks across the two countries. Results show that the core PSMU symptoms were Craving/tolerance in China and Relapse/loss of control in Japan. In the comorbidity networks, the most influential symptoms in China were agitation, panic, frequent inactivity, and downheartedness. The most central ones in Japan were not looking forward, downhearted, touchy, and a pervasive lack of motivation. The present study improves understanding of the links between symptoms of PSMU, boredom proneness, and psychological distress in both countries, which can be helpful for the development of potential nationally specific interventions.