Examining the Influence of Familial Factors on Social Media Addiction and Mental Health of Emerging Adults: A Study in Karnataka, India

Abstract

Aim: This study investigates the association of familial factors with social media addiction and mental health of emerging adults. Study Design: A survey research design and random sampling technique was used. Sample: Present study was conducted in the year 2020-21 in Dharwad district of Karnataka State, India Total study sample of the study comprised of 160 students.  Around 80 students from two arts colleges studying I year and II year and eighty students from two science colleges studying in I year and II year were selected. Social media addiction tool by Tutgan and Deniz [1] was used to assess social media addiction and mental health inventory by Jagadish and Srivasthava [2] was used to assess mental health status. Results: Results indicated that type of family had significant association (\(\chi\)²= 29.07** and p value = 0.02) and difference (5.48**, p value = 0.01) with social media addiction and mental health of emerging adults. No influence of socio economic status was observed on social media addiction and mental health of emerging adults. Hence, there is a need to encourage parents to set screen time limits and engage in offline activities with their children can mitigate addiction by flexible work arrangements, and mental health resources can foster stronger family connections. Integrating digital literacy and online safety into university curricula can also empower emerging adults to manage social media addiction and protect their mental well-being.