A Social Media Give and Take

Abstract

This study explored social media (SM) usage amongst young adults. Participants (N = 750) completed an online survey about their usage of/relationship with SM and the sacrifices they would make to remain on SM. Almost half of participants reported checking SM 9+ times/day and more than three-quarters spent 1+ hour/day on SM. SM addiction scores averaged 17.5/30 (SD = 5.08). Regression analyses revealed that number of SM checks/day (p < 0.05), time/day spent on SM (p < 0.01), and SM addiction (p < 0.001) all predicted increases in the number of trade-offs participants were willing to make, F(6,733) = 21.941, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.390. These results act to both confirm existing literature, while also highlighting the specific compromises young adults would make to maintain their SM access. Future health efforts should aim to promote awareness of these psychological and social issues.