Social Media Addiction and Its Socio-Psychological Consequences Among Youth in Bangladesh: A Quantitative Analytical Study

Abstract

The way they live, learn, and interact with each other has changed a lot because of how fast technology is advancing and how easy it is to access the internet and smartphones. In Bangladesh, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have become a big part of daily life, especially for young people. These platforms help to communicate, share information, have fun, learn new things, and connect with others. However, using social media too much and without control has raised concerns about how it might affect mental health, relationships, how well they do in school, and the overall quality of life. This study looked into how common social media addiction is and what its effects are on the social and psychological well-being of young people in Bangladesh. To do this, a survey was conducted with 445 people aged 15 to 30 from different educational and social backgrounds. The survey asked about their demographic information, how they use social media, if they show signs of addiction, their mental health, how they interact with others, and how they feel about their lives. The results showed that social media is a big part of the daily routine of young people in Bangladesh, with many spending several hours a day on these platforms.A significant number of participants showed moderate to high levels of social media addiction, meaning they check their accounts compulsively, have trouble controlling their use, feel emotionally dependent on online interactions, and experience withdrawal symptoms when they can't access social media. Using social media too much is linked to higher levels of anxiety, stress, loneliness, emotional instability, sleep problems, reduced concentration, and lower satisfaction with life. People who are addicted to social media also report less face-to-face communication, weaker family relationships, less participation in social activities, and a tendency to withdraw from society. The study found that social media addiction negatively affects how well people do in school and at work, with higher addiction levels linked to poor time management, lower academic performance, reduced work efficiency, and frequent distractions during study or work hours. The study also found significant relationships between the level of addiction and demographic factors like age, gender, educational status, and how long people use social media each day. Younger people and those who spend more time on social media are more likely to develop addictive behaviors and experience negative effects on their social and psychological well-being. The conclusion is that social media addiction is a significant social and public health issue among young people in Bangladesh. While social media has its benefits for communication, learning, and connectivity, using it too much and without regulation can lead to psychological and social challenges that hinder personal growth and well-being. The study suggests that programs to teach digital literacy, awareness campaigns, mental health support services, education on responsible technology use, and policies to promote balanced social media engagement could help. These findings provide important evidence for policymakers, educators, mental health professionals, and researchers who are looking into the impact of social media addiction in developing countries and contribute to the discussion on digital behavior, youth development, and social and psychological health in the context of rapid technological change.