The Impact of Social Media Addiction on Family Functioning and Emotional Wellbeing among University Students of Islamabad

Abstract

The current study was intended to explore the impact of social media addiction on family functioning and emotional well-being among university students of Islamabad. Sample comprised of university students (N=300). Students enrolled in bachelor’s program who excessively use social media from Public, Semi Government and Private sector universities were selected. Convenient sampling was used for collection of data. Three instruments were used to measure variables i-e Social Media Addiction Scale- Student form (SMA-SF) for measuring time spent on social media, Family functioning subscale of McMaster family assessment device for family functioning and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) for overall emotional well-being. Results indicated that there was a positive relationship between social media addiction and family functioning. Results also indicated negative relationship between social media addiction and emotional well-being, also emotional well-being mediated the relationship between family functioning and social media addiction. Moreover results show that males have higher emotional well-being than females. Further, this study would open new ways and findings for other researchers with respect to analyzing students affected by negative family patterns that can adversely affect their emotional wellbeing upon which they can be provided with psychological help