Background: Past research has linked social media use with a variety of mental health outcomes – both positive and
negative. The current study aims to explore two possible moderators of the link between social media use and mental
health outcomes; specifically the effects of having an anxious and/or avoidant attachment style. Method; A crosssectional correlational design was implemented. Participants (n = 124) aged ≥18 years completed scales measuring
experiences in close relationships, general problematic Internet use, psychological wellbeing and satisfaction with life.
Results: Negative relationships between problematic social media use and both psychological wellbeing and life
satisfaction were observed. For psychological wellbeing, the relationship was strongest amongst individuals who were
low in avoidant attachment and high in anxious attachment. Discussion: These results suggest that attachment style
impacts the extent that social media affects user mental health and wellbeing; partly explaining paradoxical results in
previous research. Conclusion: We suggest that individuals who are high in anxious attachment and low in attachment
avoidance may be more susceptible to negative outcomes arising from problematic SNS use.