The relationship of addiction to virtual social networks with executive functions: the mediating role of interpersonal difficulties

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between virtual social network addiction and executive functions (working memory, response inhibition and cognitive flexibility) with the mediating variable of interpersonal difficulties in students.

The method of this study was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-correlational in terms of methodology. The population of this study included students in Tehran's second education district. The sample of the present study included 300 male students who were selected by convenience sampling method. The research tools were a questionnaire on addiction to mobile social networks (Ahmadi et al. 2016); Executive Function Questionnaire (Nejati, 2013) and Barkham, Hardy and Startup Interpersonal Problems Questionnaire (1998). The collected data were analyzed by SPSS and Lisrel software using structural equation modeling method.

This study showed that there is a significant relationship between addiction to virtual social networks and executive functions (working memory, response inhibition and cognitive flexibility) with the mediating variable of interpersonal difficulties (P <0.05).

According to the findings of the research, which is the evaluation and analysis of the underlying and perpetuating factors in Internet addiction and addiction to virtual social networks, therefore, the development and promotion of the culture of using social networks and the Internet leads to reduced identity crises and Personality axes such as social solidarity among students have been improved and the dimensions identified in this research can be considered as the framework for the development of the use of new communication technologies such as social networks.