Implication of communication and family cohesion in the explanation of problematic use of social networks in adolescence

Abstract

Problematic use of social media (PUSM) among adolescents has become an increasing concern due to its impact on emotional well-being, mental health, and family dynamics. Within this context, family climate—defined by cohesion, expressiveness, and conflict—is considered a key factor in regulating digital behavior. This study, from an ecological perspective, analyzes the relationship between these family dimensions and PUSM, aiming to identify patterns that can guide future preventive strategies. The study was conducted with a sample of 1,164 Spanish adolescents aged 12 to 18. From this population, a subsample of 298 students was selected based on extreme scores in family climate dimensions. The Family Environment Scale (Moos et al., 1974) and the Problematic Social Media Use Questionnaire (Delgado & Martínez-Monteagudo, 2023) were used. Data were analyzed using Spearman correlations and mean comparisons through Student’s t-test. Results showed that family cohesion and expressiveness correlated negatively with PUSM, while family conflict correlated positively. Adolescents with low PUSM reported higher levels of emotional support and open communication, whereas those with high PUSM reported more family conflict and emotional disconnection. The findings reinforce the value of a positive family climate as a protective factor against PUSM and highlight the need to promote healthy family environments. The development of preventive programs that actively involve families is recommended. Future research should explore interactions between the family context and other social and school environments and incorporate mixed methods to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon.