Determinantes cognitivos e comportamentais do uso problemático de mídias sociais e seus efeitos sobre o bem-estar psicológico

Abstract

This thesis aims to analyze the influence of algorithmic awareness on the problematic use of social media and its impact on users' psychological well-being, considering the mediating role of self-regulation and self-efficacy. The study starts from the argument that digital platforms are structured by persuasive algorithm-driven design, capable of shaping behaviors even when consciously perceived by the user. Such perception can strengthen self-efficacy but, simultaneously, compromise self-regulation, favoring problematic usage patterns that reduce psychological well-being. Methodologically, the research was conducted in five stages: (i) a systematic review of the literature to map antecedents, mediators, and consequences of problematic social media use, as well as the main measurement metrics; (ii) a theoretical essay that critically discusses the role of algorithmic platform design and proposes the thesis's conceptual model; (iii) the selection and adaptation of scales validated for the study context; (iv) a survey with 737 respondents, whose data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with DWLS estimator, involving first- and second-order constructs; and (v) the integration of results, with critical discussion of evidence, theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research. The results confirm that algorithmic awareness has a positive effect on perceived self-efficacy in social media, but at the same time, it increases levels of problematic use, indirectly reducing psychological well-being. The tested model showed satisfactory validity and fit, allowing for advances in the understanding of the cognitive and behavioral mechanisms that connect algorithms, problematic use, and psychological well-being. The thesis contributes by integrating the cognitive dimension of algorithmic awareness into models of problematic social media use, offering theoretical implications by expanding the existing conceptual basis and practical implications by providing support for the development of more ethical digital design strategies and policies. Finally, the study's limitations and directions for future research are presented.