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Abstract
The question of whether digital media enhances or harms psychological well-being has intrigued researchers and the public for decades. Grounded in media richness theory, a study hypothesized that phone calls and texting promote well-being, while social networking sites (SNSs), instant messaging (IM), and online gaming might displace other social interactions, potentially impairing well-being. A meta-analysis of 124 studies supported this hypothesis, revealing that phone calls and texting were positively linked to well-being, whereas online gaming showed a negative correlation. Additionally, the impact of digital media use on well-being depended on how the technology was utilized. Meta-analyses of various SNS activities clarified that interaction, self-presentation, and entertainment on SNSs contributed to improved well-being, while passively consuming SNS content was associated with decreased well-being.
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