By: Nida Asan · Research & opinion · 2025-06-25 · 4 min read
New Research on Social Media Addiction Among Youth in North Macedonia, by Nida Asan
Why
the research?
Recently I concluded my research titled “The Impact of
Social Media Addiction on Young Adults in North Macedonia”. This analysis, as part of wider academic research in psychology of
social media, offers new insights
into the increasing health concern of social media addiction
among youngsters in
Macedonia.
What is the Key
Focus of the
Research?
The
research investigates the effects of excessive social media use on the young people
and it included
some 250 young participants. It implemented
the Social Networking Addiction Scale (SNAS) by M.G. Shahnawaz and Usama Rehman while the survey was distributed
online. The target population for this research was young adults, identified as
a highly active and most vulnerable group concerning social media's effects.
Key
Findings
The
study reveals that a considerable portion of young adults exhibit signs of
social media addiction.
A very high
65% of respondents confirmed addiction according to the Social
Networking Addiction Scale, with an average Addiction Index of approximately
25% or 109 points on SNAS scale (calculated from test scores ranging 84-144).
This indicates a moderate type of addiction, though 10-12% registered a high
addiction index (above 75% on the scale, or over 128 points on this scale).
Nearlyhalf (49.1%) of respondents reported being
distracted by social media while working or studying, with 49.9% admitting
to often check for updates during these tasks,
significantly affecting
their productivity and cognitive activity.
More than
half (53.3%) of participants use social
media as a coping tool when they are upset, and 43.2% find it helps them feel relaxed. This
highlights a very concerning shift in emotional regulation and managing by youngsters, potentially replacing healthier coping options with online tools.
A
significant 32% of respondents experience sadness when unable to use social media,
with an additional 18% reporting other negative reactions.
Also, 24.5% admit feeling frustration and 24% feel restlessness when offline
or not
having enough time for social media. This
indicates an
increase of negative emotions related to inability to use social media for at least a
third of respondents.
34%
of young adults admitted skipping sleep in favor of social media. Moreover, 33.9% find it difficult to cut down
their social media usage, showing addiction tendencies and a struggle with self-managing.
The study confirms that social media contributes to
feelings of anxiety, and low self-esteem due to constant exposure to idealized
online portrayals and social comparison.
The
addictive nature of social media is deeply rooted in algorithm-driven
procedures that reinforce certain usage models. The constant flow of likes, comments, and
notifications triggers the release of dopamine, creating feedback cycles that often cause
dependence from
social media. The "fear of missing
out" (FOMO) also compels users to stay
connected. The research also points out how social media can lead to isolation
and loneliness by replacing meaningful in-person interactions with superficial
virtual contacts. This is further strengthen
by "context collapse" in online interactions, where users cannot be
certain how their message will be understood or who is listening to them, making it difficult to manage online relationships.
Recommendations
for Healthier Digital Future
Recognizing
social media addiction as a raising health concern, the study also emphasizes these key
recommendations:
Digital Literacy Programs: Integrating holistic programs in schools to
educate about psychological impacts, platform design, and self-control
strategies.
Digital
Detox Activities: Promoting regular breaks,
scheduling tech-free times, and encouraging a balance between online and
offline life.
Support
Groups and Professional Help:
Offering specialized therapy services like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
and mindfulness-based interventions, alongside support groups for shared
experiences and coping strategies.
Parental
and Institutional Guidance:
Encouraging parents and educators to set boundaries, foster open communication,
and lead by example.
Promotion
of Alternate Activities:
Encouraging engagement in offline hobbies like sports, volunteering, and arts
to reduce screen time and improve overall well-being.
Establishing
Usage Boundaries: Individuals setting clear
daily limits and scheduled time off, potentially using tracking applications.
Mindful Usage:
Encouraging users to be intentional about their social media use, considering
what they want to achieve before logging in.
At the end we can note that social media addiction goes beyond the practice of excessive screen time; it deeply impacts focus, emotional condition, sleep quality, and self-esteem of many young people. To address this complex issue a
collective effort involving individuals, families, schools, mental health
professionals, and lawmakers is highly needed. By promoting responsible use, making more easy access to mental health
support, and creating stronger offline connections, the academic community,
institutions and the civic sector
can jointly work towards a healthier digital future for the
younger generations.
Author: Nida Asan, Psychologist and Clinical Therapist.