The Interplay between Social Media Addiction and Psychological Needs: Exploring the Relationship & Implication amongst Gen Z

Abstract

The relationship between social media addiction and psychological demands in Generation Z (Gen Z) is examined in this thesis. In addition to focusing on social interaction, mood enhancement, and obsessive behaviours, the study aimed to explore the potential effects of social media use on psychological well-being. A review of the literature is also used to undertake secondary research. This gave psychological needs and social media addiction a theoretical foundation and contextual comprehension. The study intended to further the knowledge of the intricate connection between Gen Z's use of social media and the satisfaction of their psychological demands. 278 samples are gathered quantitatively via an online survey sent to members of the Gen Z demographic. With this method, social media usage patterns and their effects on Gen Z members' psychological requirements is examined. Collected data analysed by using SmartPLS. The results confirmed positive correlations between the duration of social media use and feelings of feeling connected, as followed with a noticeable improvement in mood after social media usage. Receiving notification triggers a compulsion check on the participants’ technological device.