Social media platforms and sleep problems: a systematic literature review, synthesis and framework for future research

Abstract

Purpose

This study is a systematic literature review (SLR) on prior research examining the impact of the nocturnal use of social media platforms on a user's sleep, its dimensions and its perceptually allied problems. This SLR aims to curate, assimilate and critically examine the empirical research in this domain.

Design/methodology/approach

Forty-five relevant studies identified from the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases were analyzed to develop a comprehensive research profile, identify gaps in the current knowledge and delineate emergent research topics.

Findings

Prior research has narrowly focused on investigating the associations between specific aspects of social media use behavior and sleep dimensions. The findings suggest that previous studies are limited by research design and sampling issues. We highlight the imperative need to expand current research boundaries through a comprehensive framework that elucidates potential issues to be addressed in future research.

Originality/value

The findings have significant implications for clinicians, family members and educators concerning promoting appropriate social media use, especially during sleep latency.

Citation

Kaur, P., Dhir, A., Alkhalifa, A.K. and Tandon, A. (2021), "Social media platforms and sleep problems: a systematic literature review, synthesis and framework for future research", Internet Research, Vol. 31 No. 4, pp. 1121-1152. https://doi.org/10.1108/INTR-04-2020-0187