DO SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES IMPACT THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING OF EMERGING ADULTS DURING EARLY ADULTHOOD? A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY

Abstract

Social networking sites wield a profound influence on an individual's psychological well-being, serving as a significant feature in our daily existence. This study delves into the impact of social networking sites on the psychological well-being of college students within the realm of emerging adulthood. Employing a survey methodology, data were gathered through Ryff's Psychological Well-being scale and Social Networking Sites scales, focusing on a sample size of 117 respondents within the emerging adulthood age group. Utilizing the Pearson Correlation method for analysis, the results find a noteworthy correlation between social networking sites and psychological well-being. Further exploration reveals that factors such as autonomy and cognitive need, environmental mastery and affective need, autonomy and personal integrative need, diversion and social integrative need, as well as social integrative need and affective need, are all significantly influenced. This suggests that social networking sites contribute positively to the psychological well-being of emerging adults, impacting areas such as autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, relationships, sense of purpose, and self-acceptance. This study sheds light on the positive perception of utilizing social networking sites, emphasizing the notion that the relationship between social networking sites and the well-being of emerging adults is a healthy one. It reinforces the idea that young adults are cognizant of both the advantages and drawbacks of engaging with social networking platforms.

Keywords: social networking sites, PWB, autonomy, personal growth, social integrative needs, positive relations, purpose in life, self-acceptance