Social Media and Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

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.