A Study on Social Networking Addiction among Adults

Abstract

The term social networking entails having connections in both the real and the digital worlds. Today, this term is mainly used to reference online social communications. The internet has made it possible for people to find and connect with others who they may never have met otherwise. Online social networking is dependent on technology and internet connectivity. Users can access social networking sites using their PCs, tablets or smartphones. The sample of 120 participants has been selected from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR and Gujarat. The participants in the study fall within the age range of 18 to 60 years. The scale was developed by Griffiths in 2005. The scale consists of 21 items and encompasses six dimensions- Salience, Mood modification, Tolerance, Withdrawal, Conflict and Relapse. The statistical analyses applied for data analysis is ANOVA. The findings suggest that there is a significant difference in Social Networking among individuals aged 18-60 years at p < .05. There is a significant difference among the dimensions of Social Networking i.e. Salience, Mood modification, Tolerance, Withdrawal, Conflict and Relapse across age-groups 18-60 years at p < .05.