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Social Media Addiction in the Least Developed Countries: a quantitative study among university students in Afghanistan

Year 2021, Volume: 9 Issue: 2, 233 - 245, 21.07.2021

Abstract

This study examines social media addiction phenomenon and their application among universities students. Uses and gratifications and media systems dependency theories were used as a theoretical framework. A same dataset that was firstly collected and developed for ‘The relationship between social media addiction and depression: a quantitative study among university students in Khost, Afghanistan’ was used. Probability-stratified sampling method was used, and a 35-items questionnaire was distributed to replicate Kimberly Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Three hundred eighty-four students from three universities of Afghanistan participated. The study found that social media addiction existed at various levels among the respondents. Findings confirmed both theories regardless of the sociopolitical environment such as political stability, low literacy level, a weak economy, and conflict in the least developed countries like Afghanistan. Besides that, the result showed that Facebook was the leading, regularly used social media platform among other online platforms. Facebook was used for social purposes and mostly for obtaining news and maintaining relationships. These findings mainly confirm the main argument of the Media Systems Dependency theory.

Supporting Institution

Not available

Project Number

Not available

References

  • 1. Afghanistan Statistical Yearbook. (2018). Afghanistan Statistical Yearbook 2017-18 (Annual Report No. 39).
  • 2. Andreassen, C. S., Pallesen, S., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). The relationship between addictive use of social media, narcissism, and self-esteem: Findings from a large national survey. Addictive Behaviors, 64, 287–293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.03.006
  • 3. Baccarella, C. V., Wagner, T. F., Kietzmann, J. H., & McCarthy, I. P. (2018). Social media? It’s serious! Understanding the dark side of social media. European Management Journal, 36(4), 431–438. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2018.07.002
  • 4. boyd, danah m., & Ellison, N. B. (2007). Social Network Sites: Definition, History, and Scholarship. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13(1), 210–230. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2007.00393.x
  • 5. Chak, K., & Leung, D. L. (2004). Shyness and Locus of Control as Predictors of Internet Addiction and Internet Use. 7(5), 12.
  • 6. Gazi, M. A., Çetin, M., & Çakı, C. (2017). The research of the level of social media addiction of university students. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research, 3(2), 549–549. https://doi.org/10.24289/ijsser.279705
  • 7. Ginige, P. (2017). Internet Addiction Disorder. In M. H. Maurer (Ed.), Child and Adolescent Mental Health. InTech. https://doi.org/10.5772/66966
  • 8. Griffiths, M. D., Kuss, D. J., & Demetrovics, Z. (2014). Social Networking Addiction. In Behavioral Addictions (pp. 119–141). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-407724-9.00006-9
  • 9. Ha, L., Yoon, K., & Zhang, X. (2013). Consumption and Dependency of Social Network Sites as a News Medium: A Comparison between College Students and General Population. Media and Communications Faculty Publications, 11, 15. https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/smc_pub/11
  • 10. Haand, R., & Shuwang, Z. (2020). The relationship between social media addiction and depression: A quantitative study among university students in Khost, Afghanistan. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1), 780–786. https://doi.org/10.1080/02673843.2020.1741407
  • 11. J. Al-Menayes, J. (2015). Dimensions of Social Media Addiction among University Students in Kuwait. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, 4(1), 23. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.pbs.20150401.14
  • 12. JEPNGETICH, K. (2016). Influence Of Social Media On Face To Face Communication Among College Students: A Study Of Selected Colleges In Eldoret.
  • 13. John William, C., & Hitoshi, M. (2016). Media Dependency, Usage and Trust in a Time of Crisis – A Case Study of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, Waseda University, 18.
  • 14. Joo, T.-M., & Teng, C.-E. (2017). Impacts of Social Media (Facebook) on Human Communication and Relationships: A View on Behavioral Change and Social Unity. Technology Vol., 24.
  • 15. KEMP, S. (2017). 2017 DIGITAL YEARBOOK INTERNET, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND MOBILE DATA FOR 239 COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD (p. 6) [Annual Report]. https://wearesocial.com/special-reports/digital-in-2017-global-overview
  • 16. KEMP, S. (2019a). DIGITAL 2019 AFGHANISTAN ALL THE DATA AND TRENDS YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND INTERNET, SOCIAL MEDIA, MOBILE, AND E-COMMERCE BEHAVIOURS IN 2019 (p. 15) [Annual Report]. https://www.slideshare.net/DataReportal/digital-2019-afghanistan-january-2019-v01
  • 17. KEMP, S. (2019b). DIGITAL 2019: ESSENTIAL INSIGHTS INTO HOW PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD USE THE INTERNET, MOBILE DEVICES, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND E-COMMERCE (p. 7) [Annual Report]. https://wearesocial.com/global-digital-report-2019
  • 18. KEMP, S. (2020). DIGITAL 2020: GLOBAL DIGITAL OVERVIEW (We Are Social Hootsuite, p. 247) [Annual Report]. https://wearesocial.com/blog/2020/01/digital-2020-3-8-billion-people-use-social-media
  • 19. Kirik, A. M., Arslan, A., Çeti̇Nkaya, A., & Gül, M. (2015). A Quantitative Research on the Level of Social Media Addiction among Young People in Turkey. 16.
  • 20. Kırcaburun, K. (2016). Self-Esteem, Daily Internet Use and Social Media Addiction as Predictors of Depression among Turkish Adolescents. Journal of Education and Practice, 9.
  • 21. Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2011). Online Social Networking and Addiction—A Review of the Psychological Literature. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 8(9), 3528–3552. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph8093528
  • 22. Littlejohn, S. W., & Foss, K. A. (Eds.). (2009). Encyclopedia of communication theory. Sage.
  • 23. Luo, M. M. (2018). INTERNET USE IN CAMBODIA: A MEDIA DEPENDENCY THEORY PERSPECTIVE. International Journal of Management and Applied Science, 4(3), 4. http://iraj.in
  • 24. Mental Health America. (2019). Risky Business: Internet Addiction [Medical]. Mental Health America. https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/risky-business-internet-addiction
  • 25. Murat KIRIK, A. (2015). Türkiyedeki Gençlerin Sosyal Medya Bağımlılık Düzeylerine Yönelik Nicel Bir Araştırma. International Journal of Science Culture and Sport, 3(13), 108–108. https://doi.org/10.14486/IntJSCS444
  • 26. Nalwa, K., & Anand, A. P. (2003). Internet Addiction in Students: A Cause of Concern. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 6(6), 653–656. https://doi.org/10.1089/109493103322725441
  • 27. Quan-Haase, A., & Young, A. L. (2010). Uses and Gratifications of Social Media: A Comparison of Facebook and Instant Messaging. Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society, 30(5), 350–361. https://doi.org/10.1177/0270467610380009
  • 28. Rahman, S. H. A. (2014). Can’t Live without my FB, LoL: The Influence of Social Networking Sites on the Communication Skills of TESL Students. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 134, 213–219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.04.241
  • 29. Saripalli, V. (2018, October 25). What is addiction? [Medical]. Mediacal NewsToday. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323465.php
  • 30. Shaw, M., & Black, D. W. (2008). Internet Addiction: Definition, Assessment, Epidemiology and??Clinical Management. CNS Drugs, 22(5), 353–365. https://doi.org/10.2165/00023210-200822050-00001
  • 31. Singh, A. S., & Masuku, M. B. (2014). SAMPLING TECHNIQUES & DETERMINATION OF SAMPLE SIZE IN APPLIED STATISTICS RESEARCH: AN OVERVIE, United Kingdom. International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, 2(11). http://ijecm.co.uk/
  • 32. Steinfield, C., Ellison, N. B., & Lampe, C. (2008). Social capital, self-esteem, and use of online social network sites: A longitudinal analysis. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 29(6), 434–445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appdev.2008.07.002
  • 33. Tanta, I., Mihovilović, M., & Sablić, Z. (2014). Uses and Gratification Theory – Why Adolescents Use Facebook? IZVORNI ZNANSTVENI RA, 26.
  • 34. UNAMA. (2019). Afghanistan Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict Midyear Update—2019. https://unama.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/unama_poc_midyear_update_2019_-_30_july_english.pdf
  • 35. Wang, P., Wang, X., Wu, Y., Xie, X., Wang, X., Zhao, F., Ouyang, M., & Lei, L. (2018). Social networking sites addiction and adolescent depression: A moderated mediation model of rumination and self-esteem. Personality and Individual Differences, 127, 162–167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2018.02.008
  • 36. Warwimbo, J. K. (2015). THE GRATIFICATIONS SOUGHT FROM SOCIAL MEDIA BY KENYAN USERS AND LEVERAGES FOR LOCAL ICTS DEVELOPMENT. University of Nairobi.
  • 37. Weiyan, L. (2015). A Historical Overview of Uses and Gratifications Theory. Cross-Cultural Communication (CSCanada, 11(1923–6700), 71–78. https://doi.org/10.3968/7415
  • 38. World Bank. (2018). GDP per capita (current US$). https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.CD?end=2018&name_desc=false&start=1960&view=chart
  • 39. Young, K. S. (1998). Internet Addiction Test (IAT) Manual. http://cyberpsy.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/iat-manual.pdf
Year 2021, Volume: 9 Issue: 2, 233 - 245, 21.07.2021

Abstract

Project Number

Not available

References

  • 1. Afghanistan Statistical Yearbook. (2018). Afghanistan Statistical Yearbook 2017-18 (Annual Report No. 39).
  • 2. Andreassen, C. S., Pallesen, S., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). The relationship between addictive use of social media, narcissism, and self-esteem: Findings from a large national survey. Addictive Behaviors, 64, 287–293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.03.006
  • 3. Baccarella, C. V., Wagner, T. F., Kietzmann, J. H., & McCarthy, I. P. (2018). Social media? It’s serious! Understanding the dark side of social media. European Management Journal, 36(4), 431–438. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2018.07.002
  • 4. boyd, danah m., & Ellison, N. B. (2007). Social Network Sites: Definition, History, and Scholarship. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13(1), 210–230. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2007.00393.x
  • 5. Chak, K., & Leung, D. L. (2004). Shyness and Locus of Control as Predictors of Internet Addiction and Internet Use. 7(5), 12.
  • 6. Gazi, M. A., Çetin, M., & Çakı, C. (2017). The research of the level of social media addiction of university students. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research, 3(2), 549–549. https://doi.org/10.24289/ijsser.279705
  • 7. Ginige, P. (2017). Internet Addiction Disorder. In M. H. Maurer (Ed.), Child and Adolescent Mental Health. InTech. https://doi.org/10.5772/66966
  • 8. Griffiths, M. D., Kuss, D. J., & Demetrovics, Z. (2014). Social Networking Addiction. In Behavioral Addictions (pp. 119–141). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-407724-9.00006-9
  • 9. Ha, L., Yoon, K., & Zhang, X. (2013). Consumption and Dependency of Social Network Sites as a News Medium: A Comparison between College Students and General Population. Media and Communications Faculty Publications, 11, 15. https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/smc_pub/11
  • 10. Haand, R., & Shuwang, Z. (2020). The relationship between social media addiction and depression: A quantitative study among university students in Khost, Afghanistan. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1), 780–786. https://doi.org/10.1080/02673843.2020.1741407
  • 11. J. Al-Menayes, J. (2015). Dimensions of Social Media Addiction among University Students in Kuwait. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, 4(1), 23. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.pbs.20150401.14
  • 12. JEPNGETICH, K. (2016). Influence Of Social Media On Face To Face Communication Among College Students: A Study Of Selected Colleges In Eldoret.
  • 13. John William, C., & Hitoshi, M. (2016). Media Dependency, Usage and Trust in a Time of Crisis – A Case Study of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, Waseda University, 18.
  • 14. Joo, T.-M., & Teng, C.-E. (2017). Impacts of Social Media (Facebook) on Human Communication and Relationships: A View on Behavioral Change and Social Unity. Technology Vol., 24.
  • 15. KEMP, S. (2017). 2017 DIGITAL YEARBOOK INTERNET, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND MOBILE DATA FOR 239 COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD (p. 6) [Annual Report]. https://wearesocial.com/special-reports/digital-in-2017-global-overview
  • 16. KEMP, S. (2019a). DIGITAL 2019 AFGHANISTAN ALL THE DATA AND TRENDS YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND INTERNET, SOCIAL MEDIA, MOBILE, AND E-COMMERCE BEHAVIOURS IN 2019 (p. 15) [Annual Report]. https://www.slideshare.net/DataReportal/digital-2019-afghanistan-january-2019-v01
  • 17. KEMP, S. (2019b). DIGITAL 2019: ESSENTIAL INSIGHTS INTO HOW PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD USE THE INTERNET, MOBILE DEVICES, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND E-COMMERCE (p. 7) [Annual Report]. https://wearesocial.com/global-digital-report-2019
  • 18. KEMP, S. (2020). DIGITAL 2020: GLOBAL DIGITAL OVERVIEW (We Are Social Hootsuite, p. 247) [Annual Report]. https://wearesocial.com/blog/2020/01/digital-2020-3-8-billion-people-use-social-media
  • 19. Kirik, A. M., Arslan, A., Çeti̇Nkaya, A., & Gül, M. (2015). A Quantitative Research on the Level of Social Media Addiction among Young People in Turkey. 16.
  • 20. Kırcaburun, K. (2016). Self-Esteem, Daily Internet Use and Social Media Addiction as Predictors of Depression among Turkish Adolescents. Journal of Education and Practice, 9.
  • 21. Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2011). Online Social Networking and Addiction—A Review of the Psychological Literature. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 8(9), 3528–3552. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph8093528
  • 22. Littlejohn, S. W., & Foss, K. A. (Eds.). (2009). Encyclopedia of communication theory. Sage.
  • 23. Luo, M. M. (2018). INTERNET USE IN CAMBODIA: A MEDIA DEPENDENCY THEORY PERSPECTIVE. International Journal of Management and Applied Science, 4(3), 4. http://iraj.in
  • 24. Mental Health America. (2019). Risky Business: Internet Addiction [Medical]. Mental Health America. https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/risky-business-internet-addiction
  • 25. Murat KIRIK, A. (2015). Türkiyedeki Gençlerin Sosyal Medya Bağımlılık Düzeylerine Yönelik Nicel Bir Araştırma. International Journal of Science Culture and Sport, 3(13), 108–108. https://doi.org/10.14486/IntJSCS444
  • 26. Nalwa, K., & Anand, A. P. (2003). Internet Addiction in Students: A Cause of Concern. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 6(6), 653–656. https://doi.org/10.1089/109493103322725441
  • 27. Quan-Haase, A., & Young, A. L. (2010). Uses and Gratifications of Social Media: A Comparison of Facebook and Instant Messaging. Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society, 30(5), 350–361. https://doi.org/10.1177/0270467610380009
  • 28. Rahman, S. H. A. (2014). Can’t Live without my FB, LoL: The Influence of Social Networking Sites on the Communication Skills of TESL Students. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 134, 213–219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.04.241
  • 29. Saripalli, V. (2018, October 25). What is addiction? [Medical]. Mediacal NewsToday. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323465.php
  • 30. Shaw, M., & Black, D. W. (2008). Internet Addiction: Definition, Assessment, Epidemiology and??Clinical Management. CNS Drugs, 22(5), 353–365. https://doi.org/10.2165/00023210-200822050-00001
  • 31. Singh, A. S., & Masuku, M. B. (2014). SAMPLING TECHNIQUES & DETERMINATION OF SAMPLE SIZE IN APPLIED STATISTICS RESEARCH: AN OVERVIE, United Kingdom. International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, 2(11). http://ijecm.co.uk/
  • 32. Steinfield, C., Ellison, N. B., & Lampe, C. (2008). Social capital, self-esteem, and use of online social network sites: A longitudinal analysis. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 29(6), 434–445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appdev.2008.07.002
  • 33. Tanta, I., Mihovilović, M., & Sablić, Z. (2014). Uses and Gratification Theory – Why Adolescents Use Facebook? IZVORNI ZNANSTVENI RA, 26.
  • 34. UNAMA. (2019). Afghanistan Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict Midyear Update—2019. https://unama.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/unama_poc_midyear_update_2019_-_30_july_english.pdf
  • 35. Wang, P., Wang, X., Wu, Y., Xie, X., Wang, X., Zhao, F., Ouyang, M., & Lei, L. (2018). Social networking sites addiction and adolescent depression: A moderated mediation model of rumination and self-esteem. Personality and Individual Differences, 127, 162–167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2018.02.008
  • 36. Warwimbo, J. K. (2015). THE GRATIFICATIONS SOUGHT FROM SOCIAL MEDIA BY KENYAN USERS AND LEVERAGES FOR LOCAL ICTS DEVELOPMENT. University of Nairobi.
  • 37. Weiyan, L. (2015). A Historical Overview of Uses and Gratifications Theory. Cross-Cultural Communication (CSCanada, 11(1923–6700), 71–78. https://doi.org/10.3968/7415
  • 38. World Bank. (2018). GDP per capita (current US$). https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.CD?end=2018&name_desc=false&start=1960&view=chart
  • 39. Young, K. S. (1998). Internet Addiction Test (IAT) Manual. http://cyberpsy.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/iat-manual.pdf
There are 39 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Sports Medicine
Journal Section Articles
Authors

Rahmatullah Haand 0000-0002-1578-0279

Ahmad Elham This is me 0000-0003-0249-7738

Project Number Not available
Publication Date July 21, 2021
Published in Issue Year 2021 Volume: 9 Issue: 2

Cite

APA Haand, R., & Elham, A. (2021). Social Media Addiction in the Least Developed Countries: a quantitative study among university students in Afghanistan. International Journal of Sport Culture and Science, 9(2), 233-245.
IntJSCS is published by International Science Culture and Sport Association (ISCSA).