Social Media Use and Online Social Anxiety Among College Students: The Mediating Role of Interpersonal Self-efficacy

This study examined the mediating role of interpersonal self-efficacy in the relationship between social media use and online social anxiety among college students. Using validated scales including the Problematic Social Media Use Questionnaire for Adolescents, the Online Social Anxiety Scale for Social Media Users, and the Interpersonal Self- Efficacy Scale for College Students, data were collected from 864 participants. Key findings revealed: (1) Social media use intensity significantly predicted online social anxiety; (2) Interpersonal self-efficacy partially mediated this relationship, accounting for 42% of the total effect. These results align with previous findings on social skills and anxiety pathways, suggesting that targeted interventions enhancing interpersonal efficacy could mitigate anxiety risks associated with social media engagement.