Impact of Social Media Usage on Psychological Wellbeing of Undergraduates at a Selected State University of Sri Lanka: The Mediating Role of Smartphone Addiction

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of social media usage on psychological wellbeing of undergraduates at a selected State University in Sri Lanka with the mediating role of smartphone addiction. To achieve this purpose, the researchers established three basic questions. Those are to investigate the impact of social media usage on psychological wellbeing, the impact of social media usage on smartphone addiction, and the impact of smartphone addiction on psychological wellbeing of undergraduates at the selected State University. Data was collected using structured questionnaire from 368 undergraduates within six faculties at the University by using Stratified sampling method, through Morgan Table. Quantitative research approach was used for this study. The data were analyzed using reliability analysis, validity analysis, descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. According to the study findings, all proposed hypotheses were supported. The result of the study revealed that Social Media Usage has a negative impact (R = -.167) on psychological well-being, but this negative impact increased with Smartphone Addiction. The study findings would benefit university students, university administration and academic staff, and the government. Further, it was recommended that undergraduates should have self control when using their social media and avoid smartphone addiction as well as take responsibility for their psychological well-being.