Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between social networking addiction and perceived stress with the emotional reactivity of students. This study was conducted to explore the relationship of social networking addiction and perceived stress with emotional reactivity among university students. The study also investigated the gender differences in social networking addiction, perceived stress, and emotional reactivity among university students. The study also suggest valuable recommendations for the enhancement of factors that lead to addictions to social networking, perceived stress, and emotional reactivity. The sample was taken from different universities in Lahore. The sample was selected using a correlational research design and a purposive sampling technique. The duration of the study was from (29th April 2019 to 7 th August 2020). Due to pandemic situation of COVID-19 in Pakistan at that time academic tasks were delayed and conducting research was also affected during lockdowns. So, the time duration of the research was delayed. Information from participants of study was collected using the English version of the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS 2012), Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen et al, 1983), and Emotional Reactivity Scale Nock et al (2008), and demographics information sheet. The sample consisted of N=266 (men=146 and women were =120). Statistical techniques used in the study were descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, hierarchical multiple regression analysis and Pearson product-moment correlation. The findings of the study revealed that there was a positive and significant relation among social networking addiction, perceived stress, emotional reactivity, sensitivity, intensity, and persistence. Using the statistical technique of multiple regression analysis showed that gender doesn’t significantly predict social networking addiction, perceived stress and emotional reactivity whereas social media addiction predict the sensitivity, intensity, and persistence but perceived stress only predicts sensitivity and persistence among students. Independent Sample T-test showing gender differences on scales of social networking addiction, perceived stress, and emotional reactivity. The analysis shows no significant differences in social networking addiction, perceived stress, and emotional reactivity among men and women. This research will provide insight to students, parents, and policymakers to identify the causes of excessive usage of social networking and will help them to devise strategies to reduce the addiction. From this research, the young generation can get the awareness of social networking addiction and the effect of stress on their emotional reactivity. The young generation of our society should try to avoid the use of social networking sites that affect their academic performance and emotional experiences. Similarly, the health issues related to the use of social media will also be tackled by acknowledging it to be caused by social media use among students. From this research, the young generation can get the awareness of the addiction to social media and the effect of stress on their daily lives.

Mehr-un-Nisa Idrees, Gulzar Ahmad, PhD. (2022) Impact of Social Networking Addiction and Perceived Stress on Emotional Reactivity among University Students, Journal of Behavioural Sciences, volume-32, issue 2.
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