The Impact of Doomscrolling and Social Media Dependency on Individuals Suffering From Fibromyalgia. A Cross-Sectional Study

Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Study Type: Observational
SUMMARY

In recent years, the widespread use of social media and digital platforms has led to the emergence of behavioural patterns such as doomscrolling, which involves the compulsive consumption of negative or distressing online content. This can often lead to increased anxiety and psychological distress. While this phenomenon has been studied extensively in the general population, its impact on individuals with chronic pain conditions, particularly fibromyalgia, remains largely unexplored. FM is a complex disorder characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances and cognitive difficulties, often accompanied by heightened emotional distress. As FM patients often experience anxiety and depression and engage in maladaptive coping strategies, doomscrolling may exacerbate their symptoms and impair their overall well-being. Existing research suggests that excessive social media use is linked to social media addiction (SMA), fear of missing out (FoMO) and poor sleep quality - all of which are particularly relevant to FM patients, who already struggle with sleep dysfunction and psychosocial challenges. Nevertheless, no investigation heretofore has specifically scrutinised the association between doomscrolling, SMA, FoMO and fibromyalgia-related disability. Understanding these associations could provide valuable insights into how digital behaviours influence FM symptomatology and help to identify potential intervention targets to mitigate negative outcomes.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: All
Minimum Age: 18
Maximum Age: 49
Healthy Volunteers: t
View:

• Being within the 18-49 age group (based on date of birth).

• Not practising any regular sport or exercise.

• Not having any chronic health problems or physical disabilities.

• Volunteering to participate in the study.

Locations
Other Locations
Turkey
Usak University
RECRUITING
Uşak
Contact Information
Primary
Faika Karahan, asst. proff.
faika.karahan@usak.edu.tr
+905362447665
Backup
Ali Y Karahan, Proff.
ali.karahan@usak.edu.tr
05386921934
Time Frame
Start Date: 2025-08-01
Estimated Completion Date: 2025-10-15
Participants
Target number of participants: 173
Treatments
Fibromyalgia patients
individuals suffering from fibromyalgia
Healthy subjects
healthy subjects will be matched with controls demographically (age, gender and education).
Related Therapeutic Areas
Sponsors
Collaborators: Balikesir University
Leads: Uşak University

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov