Addictive Use of Social Media and Motivations for Social Media Use Among Emerging Adult University Students

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine motivations for social media use (social connectedness, entertainment, social recognition, information) and its relationship with the addictive use of social media among emerging adult university students. Method: In this quantitative study, data were collected from emerging adult university students (N = 446) who completed The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and the Scale of Motives for Using Social Networking Sites (SMU-SNS). Results: The findings showed a moderately strong, positive relationship between addictive use of social media and social connectedness and social recognition motivations. The findings also revealed that females and on-campus students more frequently experience the addictive use of social media than males and off-campus students. Conclusion: The findings from this study provided broad support for the notion that there are significant results that it may still be important to explore a further understanding of the link between the addictive use of social media and different motivations for social media use.

Emerging Adulthood Uses and Gratifications of Social Media During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Methods Study Among Filipino College Students

“…Previous research in the Philippines has indicated that females and low-income students are disproportionately affected by the pandemic in terms of educational outcomes ( Basilisco & Cha, 2015 ). Moreover, Karayi̇gi̇t et al (2021) suggest that females are more likely to use social media for entertainment and social recognition, which could be concerning since evidence has demonstrated the detrimental effects of social media on self-esteem and body image of young women ( Fardouly & Vartanian, 2016 ).…”

“…Second, another unique insight that our study offers is how these uses and gratifications for developmental tasks differ based on social position and social media sites used. While there has been a study in the same age group that associated demographics with social media motives ( Karayiğit et al, 2021 ), the U&G concepts used were not specific to the development tasks of emerging adulthood. This insight is important so that sectors involved in the needs and wellbeing of emerging adults in the Philippines are aware of social groups (i.e., females from low-income households, Tiktok, Instagram and polymedia users) that may need more assistance in realizing specific development tasks.…”

“…Pre-pandemic evidence suggests that certain demographic characteristics are linked with specific U&G of SM. In terms of gender, studies among university students revealed that females are more likely to use SM to maintain existing relationships, pass the time, accomplish tasks, and pursue educational goals, while males use SM to meet new people ( Karayiğit et al, 2021 ; Kircaburun et al, 2020 ). As regards to age, the same studies showed that younger students have higher uses and gratifications for SM.…”

“…Several research studies involving emerging adults explored social media use motives during the coronavirus crisis. A US-based study among college emerging adults revealed that gratifying the need for entertainment was the highest motivation for using social media during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by information, social connectedness, and social recognition ( Karayiğit et al, 2021 ). On the other hand, a study from the Netherlands indicated that emerging adults primarily turn to social media to seek social support from family and friends while on lockdown ( van den Berg et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Emerging adults comprise 86% of people worldwide who actively use SM in 2021 ( Khoros, 2021 ). Thus, it is unsurprising for emerging adults to turn to SM to meet development needs, as evidenced by recent research ( Cleofas, 2021 ; Karayiğit et al, 2021 ; van den Berg et al, 2021 ). This is especially true in the Philippines, which was recognized as the “ Social Media Capital of the World ” for registering the highest number of active SM users and longest daily use since the beginning of 2010 ( Ichimura, 2020 ).…”