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Social Network Addiction and Its Impact on Anxiety Level among University Students

Author

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  • Raquel Lozano Blasco

    (Department of Science Education, University of Zaragoza, 50001 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Cecilia Latorre Cosculluela

    (Department of Science Education, University of Zaragoza, 50001 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Alberto Quílez Robres

    (Department of Science Education, University of Zaragoza, 50001 Zaragoza, Spain)

Abstract

Despite the obvious favorable effects of social networking sites, there is a risk of developing behavioral addictions. This study aims to analyze addiction to social networks and its relationship with anxiety. A sample (n = 361) of university students (undergraduate, master’s and doctoral) comprising 87.5% women and 12.5% men with a mean age of 32.58 (SD = 12.03) and 32.36 (SD = 10.21), respectively, was included. Addiction to social networks was measured using the Social Network Addiction (SNA) questionnaire and anxiety was measured using Spanish adaptation of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI Test). The regression results show how concurrent moderating variables such as age (adulthood) predispose individuals to addiction in some way (Model 5, explained 13.5%, R 2 = 0.135, p = 0.040). Similarly, we found that the aspect of addiction that generates anxiety is an obsession with social networks. Anxiety arises as excessive use decreases, similar to abstinence syndrome. It is concluded that the harmlessness of social networks and their inappropriate use can lead to behavioral addiction.

Suggested Citation

  • Raquel Lozano Blasco & Cecilia Latorre Cosculluela & Alberto Quílez Robres, 2020. "Social Network Addiction and Its Impact on Anxiety Level among University Students," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:13:p:5397-:d:380144
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wąsiński, Arkadiusz & Tomczyk, Łukasz, 2015. "Factors reducing the risk of internet addiction in young people in their home environment," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 68-74.
    2. Settanni, Michele & Marengo, Davide & Fabris, Matteo Angelo & Longobardi, Claudio, 2018. "The interplay between ADHD symptoms and time perspective in addictive social media use: A study on adolescent Facebook users," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 165-170.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kaline Pessoa & Cícero Luciano Alves Costa & Ana Cláudia Coelho & Ana Bastos & Isilda Rodrigues, 2023. "Use of Instagram as a Resource for the Adoption of Behaviors Related to Health and Well-Being of Young College Students: Associations between Use Profile and Sociodemographic Variables—A Cross-Section," Societies, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-18, February.
    2. Ahmed, Oli & Nayeem Siddiqua, Syeda Jannatun & Alam, Najifa & Griffiths, Mark D., 2021. "The mediating role of problematic social media use in the relationship between social avoidance/distress and self-esteem," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).

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