The use of social media among b40 adolescents in Klang Valley

Abstract

Adolescent issues and the use of social media is now an important area of study as it is a medium of communication used by young people to access information quickly and easily. However, excessive use of social media can lead to social problems and negative implications for adolescents especially those in the B40 group. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to (1) measure the level of social media usage and (2) identify factors influencing social media usage especially among B40 adolescents living in public housing estates (PPR). A quantitative approach was used in this study by looking at a survey of 244 adolescents living in public housing in Desa Rejang, Pantai Ria and Seri Pantai. Results of the regression analysis found that factors such as prosocial behaviour, security within housing environment, sexual health and the spirit of solidarity should be enhanced by establishing programs that encourage the use of social media among adolescents in the PPR. In addition, this study shows that B40 adolescents living in the PPR are still at a moderate level. Through the results of this study, four key aspects, such as improving personal health, enhancing neighborhood relationships, strengthening prosocial behaviors and strengthening the spirit of solidarity can help foster a sense of unity among adolescents. The results of this study could have positive implications particularly for the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia in an effort to increase the level of positive social media use among B40 adolescents living in PPR.