Understanding Social Media Addiction: The Nexus of Adolescent Problems and Family Environment in Indian Context

Abstract

This study delved into the intricate interplay between social media addiction and various dimensions of adolescent issues, encompassing family, academic, personal, and social domains. Categorizing participants into three groups based on their addiction status, we employed the SMAS-SF scale and used the Mann-Whitney U test to explore disparities in adolescent issues across these groups. Notably, a significant positive correlation emerged between the problems faced by adolescents and their susceptibility to social media addiction. Personal and social issues were found to be strong predictors of addiction, highlighting the intricate connection between adolescent challenges and the allure of social media platforms. Regression analysis revealed that family problems and personal problems significantly influenced an adolescent’s overall life challenges. In essence, addiction arises from adolescent problems, and these problems, in turn, find their roots in family and personal issues. This study sheds light on the indirect link between family problems and a child’s inclination toward social media addiction, emphasizing the role of family dynamics in shaping adolescent well-being.