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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