SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION, AND STRESS SYMPTOMS AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

The rapid growth of social media has significantly influenced adolescents’ daily lives in Pakistan. This study examined the relationship between social media addiction and stress symptoms among 322 students aged 12–17 years (M = 15.61, SD = 1.39) enrolled from primary to intermediate levels. A cross-sectional correlational design was employed using purposive sampling. Social media addiction was measured with the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, and stress symptoms were assessed using the 7-item stress subscale of the DASS-21. Correlational analysis revealed a significant positive association between social media addiction and stress symptoms (r = .13, p < .05). Independent sample t-tests indicated that males reported significantly higher social media addiction (M = 20.01, SD = 4.05) than females (M = 18.57, SD = 4.94), t(318.85) = 2.86, p = .004, and higher stress symptoms (M = 20.33, SD = 10.31) than females (M = 14.78, SD = 9.57), t(320) = 5.00, p < .001. These findings highlight the impact of excessive social media use on adolescent stress and emphasize the need for digital literacy programs, parental supervision, and preventive strategies to support psychological well-being.