From Clicks to Connection: Social Media, Mindfulness, and the Quality of Online Friendships

Abstract

The present study examined how mindfulness and social media usage predict quality of online friendships among emerging adults. Digital communication increasingly shapes interpersonal relationships. On this backdrop, the current study aimed to understand whether mindful awareness enhances the depth and satisfaction of friendships formed through social networking platforms. Data were collected from 306 emerging adults in Kolkata using standardized measures of mindfulness, social media usage, and friendship quality. Results indicated that females showed significantly higher mindfulness than males, but social media usage and friendship quality showed no gender differences. Both mindfulness and social media usage demonstrated significant positive correlations with online friendship quality, and together accounted for 41.6% of its variance. Mindfulness and social media use were inversely related, however, the association was not significant. Mindful awareness and intentional engagement with social media can positively shape the quality of digital friendships. Mindful digital habits in contemporary digital social environments can promote safety and mental health.