Social Media and Cardiovascular Disease
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33423/jop.v23i2.6160Keywords:
organizational psychology, personality, social media, cardiovascular disease, ambulatory blood pressure, cell phoneAbstract
Personality subtypes and systolic blood pressure (SBP) at night are recognized predictors of cardiovascular disease among social media users. Healthy individuals (n=88, 77% female, 31% African American) were surveyed using the Media and Technology Usage and Attitudes Scale (MTUAS). Demographics, 24-hours SBP, and personality types (e.g., introvert, extravert, and blended) were used. Personality (B= 5.37, t= 2.86, p=.005) significantly predicted elevated SBP in social media users (r2= .157, F(4, 72)=3.37, p=.014). There was a significant gradient increase in nighttime SBP by personality [introvert (M=100, SD=2.1), extrovert (M=102, SD=1.7), and blended (M=111, SD=4.4); all ps.<0.05]. Negative attitudes toward using technology (B= -5.093, t= -2.390, p= .019) also significantly predicted elevated overnight SBP. Higher anxiety/dependence with mobile phones (B=.400, t= 2.49, p=.019) significantly predicted elevated nighttime SBP [r2 = 0.342 F(4, 27) = 3.505, p=.020]. Our findings indicate that a blended personality type and anxiety due to separation from or dependence on a mobile phone or internet use elevate SBP at night, increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.