Relationships between motivations for TikTok use and mental well-being: The mediating role of perceived online emotional support
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Tanvee Buldewo
School of Sustainable Development and Tourism, University of Technology, Port Louis 11134, Mauritius
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Prabha Ramseook-Munhurrun
School of Sustainable Development and Tourism, University of Technology, Port Louis 11134, Mauritius
Abstract
This study examined the associations between motivations for TikTok use and users’ mental well-being as well as the role of perceived online emotional support as a mediator. Although previous studies have examined the relationships between motivations for social media use and users’ mental well-being, findings remain inconclusive. Therefore, this study further sheds light on the factors driving TikTok adoption and how they impact users’ perceived online emotional support and mental well-being within a small developing island such as Mauritius, where TikTok’s popularity has surged. Data were collected through a survey of 235 young adults (aged 18–35) via both online and face-to-face methods. Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, multiple linear regression, and mediation analysis (Hayes PROCESS macro) were employed. Results showed that social interaction, self-expression and information-seeking were significant predictors of online emotional support. Only information-seeking motive and age predicted mental well-being of TikTok users, which was explained through the mediator role of perceived online emotional support. The findings provide implications for mental-health professionals to render social media users mindful about the proper use of TikTok. While TikTok has recently been perceived as an emerging information hub, mental health professionals should be encouraged to create valuable informational content that can satisfy users’ cognitive needs and foster perceived online emotional support, thereby improving one’s mental well-being.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tanvee Buldewo, Prabha Ramseook-Munhurrun
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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