Social Media Addiction: Challenges and Strategies to Promote Media Literacy

Abstract

This chapter explores social media addiction, its underlying causes, consequences, and the role of media literacy in mitigating its impact. It examines the influence of artificial intelligence on content personalization and the role of cybersecurity in preventing social media addiction. The methodology involved a comprehensive literature review and a quantitative survey of 264 participants across various generations. The survey featured 25 Likert scale items designed to perform a factor analysis on addiction and literacy, as well as general questions about social media behavior. The findings indicate that social media addiction is driven by psychological factors such as social comparison, the need for social validation, and the fear of missing out (FOMO). The consequences of addiction include increased anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep patterns, and decreased face-to-face interactions. The factor analysis revealed key dimensions of addiction, including compulsive use and social comparison. The study underscores the critical role of media literacy in addressing social media addiction. By equipping individuals with skills to critically evaluate media content and promoting a balanced approach to online and offline activities, media literacy can mitigate the negative impacts of social media use. The chapter highlights the need for integrating media literacy into education and fostering collaborations to create a healthier digital environment.