SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION AND AGGRESSION AMONG HIGHER SECONDARY STUDENTS

Abstract

Background 

Social media addiction and aggression among school students are widespread issues with significant health and social consequences. There is a significant increase in social media usage and aggressive behaviours among school students in India. Taking this into consideration, this study aimed to find out the extent of social media addiction and aggression and their relationship among students studying in higher secondary classes in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.  

Method 

The sample comprised of 220 students (106 boys and 114 girls) with a mean age of 16.10 years chosen from various higher secondary schools in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. These variables were measured using Social Networking Sites Addiction Scale (SNAS) and the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). The data was analyzed using Descriptive Statistics, Spearman Rank Order Correlation and Regression Analysis. 

Results 

Social media addiction and aggression was high among students studying in higher secondary classes. The results indicated a significant positive relationship between social media addiction and aggression. Results also showed that social media addiction significantly predicted aggression in higher secondary students. 

Conclusion 

Findings indicate the immediate need to regulate social media usage and, thereby, reduce aggressive behaviours in students. Educational programmes that focus on digital literacy and responsible media use, family-based awareness program for parents to monitor children‘s online activity, and counselling service for social media addicted students can be implemented for addressing these issues.