| Sumario: | Objective: The internet's integration into daily life has reshaped interpersonal connections and exposed individuals to mental-health risks, including the growing psychosocial threat of cyberstalking. The present study investigated the relationship between cyberstalking, problematic social media use (PSMU), and general well-being, with a particular focus on the moderating roles of aimless internet browsing and the number of social media accounts. Method: The sample comprised 421 individuals and data were collected using a survey comprising validated scales assessing the variables under investigation (i.e. Cyberstalking Scale, General Well-Being Scale, and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale). Results: The results showed that PSMU fully mediated the relationship between cyberstalking and general well-being. Aimless internet browsing significantly moderated the indirect effect, such that the indirect effect of cyberstalking on well-being through PSMU was stronger when aimless browsing was low, and weaker when aimless browsing was high. Moreover, the number of social media accounts moderated the relationship between aimless browsing and PSMU, enhancing the mediated effect of cyberstalking on well-being. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the effects of cyberstalking on PSMU and well-being vary depending on levels of aimless browsing and the number of social media accounts. Higher levels of aimless browsing and greater numbers of social media accounts appeared to attenuate the indirect effect, suggesting a more complex compensatory or regulatory mechanism. The results provide valuable insights for developing interventions aimed at reducing the adverse psychological effects of cyberstalking and PSMU, particularly among individuals who engage in excessive or aimless internet use. KEY POINTS: What is already known about this topic: Cyberstalking can negatively affect psychological well-being. Problematic social media use (PSMU) can both increase psychological stress and be a consequence of it. Aimless internet browsing can increase risky online behaviours. What this study adds: The relationship between cyberstalking and psychological well-being is fully mediated by problematic social media use. The effect of cyberstalking on well-being through PSMU varies depending on levels of aimless internet browsing, reflecting a conditional moderation pattern. The number of social media accounts moderates the interaction between aimless browsing and PSMU, indicating that a broader online presence shapes how browsing behaviour relates to well-being.
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