Anxiety, relationship satisfaction and Pphubbing as predictors of excessive social media use
Authors
Boate, Jenni
Issue Date
2020
Degree
Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
Social media has become a feature of every day modern life. While for many individuals social media use may be fervent but not addictive, some can participate in social media activities excessively and problematically. The primary aim of this correlational study was to investigate whether anxiety, relationship satisfaction and partner phubbing predict excessive social media use. A convenient sample of 126 adults ranging in age from 18 years old to 65 years participated in an online survey that included the Bergan Social Media Addiction Scale, the Relationship Satisfaction Scale and the Partner Phubbing Scale. Results indicated that anxiety and Pphubbing significantly predict social media use with substantially meaningful effect size, supporting the idea that excessive use of social media indicates a need to deal with uncomfortable feelings (anxiety) and relationship issues arising from the influence of technology (Pphubbing). Future research should adopt experimental and longitudinal designs to further investigate causality.