Impact of Social Media Addiction on Socialization Among Adolescents

In the digital age, adolescents’ pervasive engagement with social media platforms has sparked concerns about its potential impact on their social behaviors. This study investigates the relationship between social media addiction and socialization among adolescents in Udaipur, India. A total of 300 students from three schools were initially assessed using the Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS). From this cohort, 240 participants were purposively selected and categorized into two equal groups: 120 identified as social media addicted and 120 as non-addicted. The Social Withdrawal Scale by Hikikomori was used to measure Socialization was administered to evaluate their levels of social engagement and interpersonal interaction. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the two groups, with non-addicted adolescents exhibiting markedly higher socialization scores compared to their addicted counterparts. These findings suggest that excessive social media use is associated with reduced socialization in adolescents. The study underscores the need for early identification and intervention strategies to address social media addiction and its potential psychosocial consequences. Implementing educational programs that promote balanced digital habits and encourage real-life social interactions may enhance social development and interpersonal skills in adolescents.