This is Long Text Blog

Posted on 2024-03-28

"

The rapid growth of internet activities and technologies has captured the attention of young adults, resulting in excessive internet usage and the development of maladaptive attitudes known as "Internet addiction." Although the term "addiction" traditionally refers to a physical dependence on substances, it has also been used to describe the excessive use of the internet (Dalvi-Esfahani et al., 2019; Khazaie et al., 2023).

To begin with, people use social media on a daily basis and find it indispensable for communicating, shopping, finding activities to do, and keeping up with news. Social media, or social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and Tumblr, is heavily used by young adults (Hruska & Maresova, 2020). Furthermore, young adults dedicate more than three hours each day to social media, exceeding older adults' usage. Studies indicate that adolescents, undergoing changes in autonomy and motivation, are at higher risk of developing addictive behaviors through their social networking interactions (Dalvi-Esfahani et al., 2021).

Moreover, social networking addiction, while not officially classified as an addiction by the World Health Organization, refers to the excessive use of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A recent study on nursing students revealed moderate levels of social media addiction(Yeşiltepe, Demirkiran, & Demir Çam, 2023). Social networking addiction is prevalent among the younger generation, especially college students and higher education graduates, characterized by the inability to control social media use(Khan, Liaqat, & Islam, 2024).

On the other hand, smartphones and gadgets contribute to social media addiction among students, which can have both positive and negative impacts. Social media allows for easy access to information sharing and publishing, but excessive use can lead to negative consequences. Lack of self-regulation in smartphone usage can negatively affect academic performance (Fauzi, Saaiddin, Ibrahim, & Abdullah, 2021). Increased internet usage among students has led to a rise in internet addiction research. All forms of online addiction, including gaming, gambling, and social media addiction, share common components such as excessive usage, withdrawal symptoms, and adverse consequences. Internet addiction is recognized as a public health concern that negatively impacts users' health and quality of life (Karimy et al., 2020).

However, in recent years, there has been a global increase in the use of the Internet and social networks, both in terms of quantity and quality. Social networks encompass various websites and applications that enable users to share content, ideas, opinions, beliefs, and personal experiences while facilitating communication among a wide range of users worldwide. Popular virtual social platforms include WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, Twitter, and Skype (Azizi, Soroush, & Khatony, 2019). So that it has helped people find common ground and made the world more accessible. However, students may struggle to differentiate between educational and non-educational online activities, leading to excessive use and potential addiction (Atef Thabit, Mahmoud Zaki, & Abdallah shams El-Din, 2023). 

In contrast, association between social media addiction and personality traits has garnered significant attention in psychological research. Different personality types may be more susceptible to addiction on specific social media platforms, such as extroverts on Facebook(Rajesh & Rangaiah, 2020) and narcissists on Instagram(Nikbin, Taghizadeh, & Rahman, 2022). Social anxiety can also lead to social media addiction due to Fear of Missing out (FOMO).

Furthermore, it has been discovered that Fear of Missing out (FOMO) has a negative correlation with conscientiousness and a positive correlation with neuroticism, anxiety, and depression. These results clarify why some people might be more drawn to social media platforms than others and strengthen the construct validity of FOMO. An obsessive need to be connected and a fear of being excluded can lead to compulsive behaviors on social networking sites (SNS) and excessive use of social media (Fioravanti et al., 2021).The pervasive use of social media among peers and the fear of being excluded from important information or social events may contribute to increased social media use and potential addictive behaviors among nursing students(Çatıker, Büyüksoy, & Özdil, 2021).

Therefore, the increased time spent at home can lead to an increase in young people's use of the internet and social media, as most of their free time is spent on these platforms. Fewer young people are engaging in activities such as painting and reading books, as they are increasingly drawn to social media and the internet (Çelik & Karasu, 2023).

Furthermore, cellphones are seen as priceless resources that can enhance student learning in clinical healthcare settings and nursing education programs. Students studying nursing have identified a wide range of advantages associated with using smartphones, including better clinical decision-making, improved communication, and increased proficiency with evidence-based practice. Even with the many benefits that have been established, little is known about the possible harm that cellphones could do to students' ability to learn(Ramjan et al., 2021). Furthermore, social media has demonstrated a great deal of potential to affect students' study habits in the context of nursing education. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other online social networking sites (SNSs) have become the fastest ways for college students to share personal and professional information (Valdez et al., 2020).