Social media disorder in relation to device screen time and autosuggested social media content engagement

Abstract

Though emerging technology offers people a comfortable life, a few adverse effects also exist. There was a rapid increase in mobile phone usage and internet consumption during and post the Covid-19 pandemic, which reached the extent of addiction among youths. Thus, this study examines social media disorder among adolescents in relation to the time spent on a computer or smart-phone device screen and engaging in autosuggested social media content. The study included 235 responses from students in higher secondary schools of Bangalore, India. The study found a significant positive correlation between device screen time, autosuggested social media content engagement (ASMCE), and social media disorder. Multiple regression analysis indicated that 56.5% of social media disorder among adolescents is due to the time spent on a computer or smart phone device and autosuggested social media content engagement. The study did not measure any differences in social media disorder based on the demographic details of the study participants. As social media disorder affects the mental health of adolescents, especially in post pandemic times, and further affects their academic performance, the researchers suggest that future studies explore the other factors causing social media disorder.