The Relationships Between Social Media Addiction and Identity Formation Among Undergraduate Students

Abstract

This study examined the relationships Between social media addiction and identity formation among undergraduate students, drawing on Cognitive-Behavioural Theory to understand how cognitive processes shape emotional and developmental outcomes. A total of 146 students (44 males, 102 females; M age = 20.78, SD = 2.197) were selected from Enugu State University of Science and Technology using multi-stage sampling techniques involving cluster, simple random (balloting), and purposive methods. Data were collected using the Ego Identity Process Questionnaire (Balistreri, Busch-Rossnagel, & Geisinger, 1986), and the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (Andreassen et al., 2016). A correlational design was adopted, and data were analysed using the Pearson Product–Moment Correlation Coefficient via SPSS version 27. Findings showed no significant relationship between social media addiction and either identity formation or loneliness. However, gender significantly correlated with both identity formation and loneliness. These results highlight the influence of gender-linked cognitive and socialization processes and underscore the need for gender-responsive interventions