Effects of social media motivations on women’s psychological well-being in Pakistan

Abstract

Social media use has been increasing apace regardless of geographical and economic boundaries. In particular, its penetration has occurred more rapidly in developing and low-income countries with abounding health and psychological disadvantages. Given the understanding that women are more prone to psychological disorders than men, the current research is an effort to examine social media motives and subsequent effects on the psychological well-being of women social media users in Pakistan. The study is based on an online survey conducted to ascertain as to what extent social media use contributes to women’s psychological well-being or otherwise. The survey recorded responses of 240 women selected through purposive sampling technique. SEM-PLS analysis of the collected data revealed that social media usage plays a meaningful role in women’s psychological health. However, results exposed that Pakistani women, under the traditional patriarchal social pressure, not only have to observe cultural norms in online practices but are also forced to adhere to socially constructed gender roles in online spaces. The mixed results suggest conducting extensive research for a deeper insight into the role of social media in psychological well-being of women in other low-income countries.

The Relationship between Social Media Usage and Mental Well-Being among Young Adults

“…240 women were selected, and it was purposive sampling. The results did not show a direct connection of social media usage with psychological well-being but spending greater time on social media not only drained the energy but also the sleep cycle got effect which indirectly led to the poor mental well-being of a person 27 .…”