Journal of Behavioral Sciences, Vol. 32, No.

2, 2022

Impact of Social Networking Addiction and Perceived Stress on

Emotional Reactivity among University Students

* Mehr-un-Nisa Idrees
Department of Psychology Lahore Garrison University, Pakistan
Gulzar Ahmad, PhD
Department of Psychology Lahore Garrison University, Pakistan

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between social

networking addiction and perceived stress with the emotional reactivity of
students. This study was conducted to explore the relationship of social
networking addiction and perceived stress with emotional reactivity
among university students. The study also investigated the gender
differences in social networking addiction, perceived stress, and emotional
reactivity among university students. The study also suggest valuable
recommendations for the enhancement of factors that lead to addictions to
social networking, perceived stress, and emotional reactivity. The sample
was taken from different universities in Lahore. The sample was selected
using a correlational research design and a purposive sampling technique.
The duration of the study was from (29th April 2019 to 7th August 2020).
Due to pandemic situation of COVID-19 in Pakistan at that time academic
tasks were delayed and conducting research was also affected during
lockdowns. So, the time duration of the research was delayed. Information
from participants of study was collected using the English version of the
Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS 2012), Perceived Stress
Scale (Cohen et al, 1983), and Emotional Reactivity Scale Nock et al
(2008), and demographics information sheet. The sample consisted of
N=266 (men=146 and women were =120). Statistical techniques used in
the study were descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test,
hierarchical multiple regression analysis and Pearson product-moment
___________________________

*Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Mehr-un-Nisa Idress,

Department of Psychology Lahore Garrison University, Pakistan. Email:
[email protected] and Gulzar Ahmad, PhD, Department of Psychology Lahore
Garrison University, Pakistan
SOCIAL NETWORKING ADDICTION, PERCEIVED STRESS & EMOTIONAL REACTIVITY 103

correlation. The findings of the study revealed that there was a positive and
significant relation among social networking addiction, perceived stress,
emotional reactivity, sensitivity, intensity, and persistence. Using the
statistical technique of multiple regression analysis showed that gender
doesn’t significantly predict social networking addiction, perceived stress
and emotional reactivity whereas social media addiction predict the
sensitivity, intensity, and persistence but perceived stress only predicts
sensitivity and persistence among students. Independent Sample T-test
showing gender differences on scales of social networking addiction,
perceived stress, and emotional reactivity. The analysis shows no
significant differences in social networking addiction, perceived stress,
and emotional reactivity among men and women. This research will
provide insight to students, parents, and policymakers to identify the
causes of excessive usage of social networking and will help them to devise
strategies to reduce the addiction. From this research, the young
generation can get the awareness of social networking addiction and the
effect of stress on their emotional reactivity. The young generation of our
society should try to avoid the use of social networking sites that affect
their academic performance and emotional experiences. Similarly, the
health issues related to the use of social media will also be tackled by
acknowledging it to be caused by social media use among students. From
this research, the young generation can get the awareness of the addiction
to social media and the effect of stress on their daily lives.
Keywords: Social Networking Addiction, Perceived Stress, and
Emotional Reactivity

Social media is a computer-based technology that facilitates the

sharing of ideas and information and the building of virtual networks and
communities. By design, social media is internet based and offers users
easy electronic communication of personal information and other content,
such as videos and photos. Users engage with social media via computer,
tablet, or smartphone through web-based software or web application,
often utilizing it for messaging.
Perceived stress is the feeling or thoughts that an individual has
about how much stress they are under at a given point in time or over the
104 IDREES AND AHMAD

given time period. Perceived stress incorporates feelings about the

uncontrollability and unpredictability of one’s life, how often one must
deal with irritating hassles, how much change is occurring in one's life, and
confidence in one's ability to deal with problems or difficulties (Cohen and
Kamrarck 1983).
Emotional reactivity is about individual know-how of emotions in
response to a large array of stimuli, strongly for a long period before
coming back to the normal situation of arousal (Murphy, 1995).
Every day the use of social media all over the world and the internet
are becoming wider. According to a recent surveyed data, 3.45 billion were
internet users and 2.34 billion people were active members of social media.
Sümen and Evgin (2021) conducted a study on social media addiction
among high school students and concluded that difficulties experienced by
high school students increase with social media addiction, while it
decreases prosocial behaviors. Social media addiction in high school
students decreases students' sleep efficiency, considered important to
conduct further public health studies for children and adolescents related
to the risks caused by the excessive use of technology, the consequences
of social media addiction, measures to protect psychological health, sleep
programmers, and the importance of sleep quality.
In recent years social networking had a most important influence
on students' academic performance. Even though these networks produce
many opportunities, and threats and have a negative impact on students in
various fields (Nahida, 2017). Obsession with social networking, perceived
stress, and its impact on emotional reactivity cause the researcher's
intention to conduct this study. The related research in Pakistan
undermined and this study investigates the impact of social networking
addictions, and perceived stress on the emotional reactivity of university
students. There are many interconnections with social networking
addiction. Social networking addiction is linked with a host of emotional,
relational, health, psychological problems, and performance problems
(Echeburua & de Corral, 2010; Kuss & Griffiths, 2011; Marino, et.al.
2017; Marino, et.al. 2018). In recent years, significant changes have taken
place around the world regarding the quantitative and qualitative
expansion of the internet, social networks, and the number of people who
use them. Social networks include websites and applications that allow
users to share content, ideas, opinions, beliefs, feelings, and personal,
SOCIAL NETWORKING ADDICTION, PERCEIVED STRESS AND EMOTIONAL REACTIVITY 105

social, and educational experiences. They also allow communication

between a wide range of users at the global level (Alahmar 2016).
Over recent years, the use of the social media platforms such as
Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, Instagram, and Google has become in
excessive use and there is widespread of this technology. Many people are
using these social media platforms as they have an attachment or habit of
using social media in their daily routines. Particularly among today's
younger generations, social media has become an integral part of their
social life. While for other people, considering the use of social media
platforms doesn't seem to be so interesting for them as they use it for
purposes such as, searching for information and regarding business. In
social media platforms, businesses have become very important too and
they are establishing their presence in the form of platforms, such as
Facebook, Twitter, and Whatsapp (Kouame & Watson, 2011). A study has
explored that social media can be used successfully for marketing
processes (Hallikainen, 2015).
In a cross-sectional study on social networking addiction (Soroush
& Khatony, 2019). Among different theories of addiction to the internet
and social networks the most important theories consist of dynamic
psychology theory, social control theory, behavioral explanation,
biomedical explanation, and cognitive explanation. Firstly, dynamic
psychology theory explains that psychological shocks, personality traits,
emotional deficiencies, and psychological status are due to social
networking addiction. Secondly, according to the social control theory age,
sex, economic status, and nationality, are the variables that vary the
addiction (Sadock 2011). Thirdly, the theory of behavior explains that
people use social networking for escaping as a reward and entertainment.
The next theory explains that that is the biological explanation theory that
some chromosomes or hormones or lack of specific chemicals that daily
regulate brain activity are hardly affected by social networking addiction
(Young & Rogers, 1998; Beard, 2005). Lastly, the cognitive theory
explains that distorted cognition leads to social networking addiction for
escaping from problems that could be internal and external (Alavi and
Jannatifard 2012). Social networking addiction can be classified as a kind
of cyber-relationship addiction (Can & Kaya 2016).
106 IDREES AND AHMAD

Social networking addiction states to mental distress. Students have

been affected in social activities such as professional activities,
occupational, interpersonal skills, and health due to social networking
addiction (Schou & Pallesen 2014) which is the cause of mental health
degradation in students and this has also led to disruption of their life
(Zaremohzzabieh et.al.,2015).
There are three types of stress which are known as mild stress,
chronic stress, and high stress. Mild stress can be very beneficial in good
performance while persistence and high stress can lead to anxiety and
depression which can be said to be neuropsychiatric diseases. In responses
to high-stress individual differences are found (Pruessner, et.al. 1997)
Progressive body has examined the relationship between emotional
processes and maladjustment throughout development (Shapero &
Abramson, 2016). Web-Stratton and Reid (2003) conducted a study to
reduce the problems and make new strategies for social and emotional
competence such as train children in such skills as emotional literacy,
empathy, friendship, communication skills, anger management, and
interpersonal problems. This research showed that the training strategy
gave long-term results. Carmeli (2003) has a study that finds out the
relationship between emotional intelligence and works attitudes behavior
and outcomes. Results showed that emotional intelligence has a positive
relationship with work attitudes, altruistic behavior, and work outcomes.
The focus of present study is to investigate the relationship and
connection between social networking addiction, perceived stress, and the role
of emotional reactivity in the relationship.
Afacan and Ozbek (2019) conducted a study on social media
addiction among high school students. The focus of this study was to
explore the social media addiction of high school students related to age,
class, type of school, gender, and day-to-day usage of internet time. The
research method used in this study was the survey method. The sample was
consisting of (N=596) students studying in three high schools in Kirsehir
in Turkey. The discovery revealed that in terms of the gender, no
significant difference was found. The Social Media Addiction Scale was
administered to the participants and examined that students have a "low
level of addiction". In addition, it was found that there is a significant
SOCIAL NETWORKING ADDICTION, PERCEIVED STRESS AND EMOTIONAL REACTIVITY 107

relationship between high school students' day-to-day usage of internet

time and social media addiction.
Denq and Hsu (2019) surveyed the study on the association
between stress and social media usage and this study also investigated
whether stress was a sign of social media use, or not and tested moderation
analysis of the relationship between stress and social media use. The
research was based on the (N= 201) participants who were randomly
allocated to a stress-persuading recall activity or a control task via an
online assessment. The findings of the study revealed that social media
users have a direct relationship with seeking social support. In addition, it
was found that evoking habitual behavior has a direct and positive
relationship with increased social media use.
Sanghvi and Rai (2015), conducted research on internet addiction,
emotional intelligence, and perceived stress among adults. The research
was mainly aimed to investigate internet addiction and its relationship
between emotional intelligence and perceived stress among adults. The
sample (N= 30) comprised of various universities in Bangalore. The
findings of the study revealed that there is no significant relationship
between internet addiction and emotional intelligence and no significant
relationship between internet addiction and perceived stress.
Kalaivani and Blessing (2017) conducted research on emotional
intelligence and technology addiction among high secondary school
students. Although technology improves our daily life but also have some
bad effects on us as smartphones addiction is reported very high in
adolescents. Some researchers have also revealed that female student are
more addicted than male students (N=120) but the findings of the study
revealed that male students have higher internet addiction than female
students.
It is a common observation that youth are getting more inclined
towards social media addiction with each passing day. These people seek
refuge in social media networking to increase their perception of social
support. However, such falsely perceived social support in a digitalized
world gives intangible emotional sustenance. Thereafter, when these
students temporarily leave the digitalized world to meet the reality of
everyday life (such as academic burdens) then they become emotionally
108 IDREES AND AHMAD

more reactive. At the same time, this can also be not ignored that stress is
also a contributing factor to emotional reactivity. Therefore, a link needs
to be developed between social networking addiction, perceived stress, and
emotional reactivity among university students

Rationale
As per the Pakistani report of Global Digital Insight on social
media usage (2020) 37 million people used different social media sites in
just one year.
The use of social networking is increasing consistently in youth
which is negatively affecting their lives. Excessive use of networking sites
is creating psychological problems and health-related issues in youngsters.
The use of excessive social networking is also contributing to poor
academic grades. Though there are many advantages of social networking
use, however, it has affected youth negatively also.
The present research aims to provide empirical evidence that how
social networking addiction, perceived stress, and emotional reactivity
play role among university students. This comparison would enable
parents to identify addictive social networking and thereby help them to
devise strategies.
Based on this concept, the present research focused on the
relationship between social networking addiction, perceived stress, and
emotional reactivity among students at university. This study was to extend
prior research on social media use exploring the prevalence originating
from media use like social networking addiction, perceived stress, and
emotional reactivity and their relationship with each other among
university students based on experience sampling data.
This present research is conducted to find out the prediction on
emotional reactivity of those who are addicted to social networking and
caused stress or feel stressed out. Basically, the present study investigated
the possible relationship of emotional reactivity of those who are addicted
to social networking and caused stress as individuals. In the same way,
individuals’ addiction to social networking and being stressed would have
different emotional experiences.
SOCIAL NETWORKING ADDICTION, PERCEIVED STRESS AND EMOTIONAL REACTIVITY 109

Objectives of study
 To explore the relationship of social networking addiction, perceived
stress, and emotional reactivity among university students
 To determine the influence of social networking addiction and
perceived stress on emotional reactivity among university students
 To investigate the prediction between social networking addictions,
perceived stress, and emotional reactivity among university students.
 To investigate the gender differences in social networking addiction,
perceived stress, and emotional reactivity among university students.

Hypotheses of the study

H1: There would be a significant relationship of social networking
addiction and perceived stress with emotional reactivity among
university students.
H2: There would be a significant relationship between perceived stress and
emotional reactivity among university students.
H3: Social networking addiction and perceived stress are likely to predict
emotional reactivity among university students.
H4: There would be significant differences between men and women
concerning social networking addiction, perceived stress, and
emotional reactivity.

Method
Research design
The research that is used in the present study is correlational
research and cross-sectional design was used to investigate the relationship
among social networking addiction, perceived stress, and emotional
reactivity in university students.

Sample and Sampling Strategy

A purposive sampling strategy was used in the present research.
The universities were selected on the basis of availability as the field
survey was conducted during pandemic lockdown. Participants were
selected through purposive sampling. One private university and two semi-
government universities were selected for the present research. Sampling
110 IDREES AND AHMAD

is an important part of the study as the results and findings are based on
the selected sample. Purposive sampling was used to check the association.
Purposive sampling is the type of non-probability sampling which involves
the selection based on features of a population and the objectives of the
study. This form of sampling can be very convenient in situations where
you need to reach a targeted sample quickly, and where sampling for
proportionality is not the main concern. The sample consisted of N=266
from different universities in Lahore. The age range of the participants was
from 21 to 30 years, which includes the students of bachelor, and post-
graduates. The sample consisted of both males and females. The ratio of
males and females was proportionate.

Inclusion Criteria
 Only university students were taken.
 The sample included participants with ages ranging from 21 to 30 years
(the target was university students consisting of graduation and post-
graduation).
 Only those students were taken who actively use social networking
(Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Tiktok)
 Both man and woman were taken.

Exclusion Criteria
 The participants who were physically or mentally impaired at the time
of conducting the research were excluded by using informed consent to
look for signs or symptoms that show up some mental illnesses of the
participants.
 Students who did not have any kind of social networking accounts were
also excluded.

Assessment Measures
The present study chose the three standardized assessment
measures; The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) was
originally adapted by the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS;
Andreassen, et.al. 2012), and the second measure used in the present study
was developed by Cohen et al, (1983) which is the Perceived Stress Scale.
SOCIAL NETWORKING ADDICTION, PERCEIVED STRESS AND EMOTIONAL REACTIVITY 111

And Emotional Reactivity Scale was developed by Nock et al (2008) was

also used. The instruments were particularly picked since they run with
theorized factors. The reliability and validity considerations were kept in
mind while choosing these evaluation measures. Moreover, these
instruments are comprehendible since they are directed on a group basis.

Demographic Questionnaire
The demographic interrelated questionnaire was recognized to find
out the demographic-linked features of the participants. The questionnaire
included variables such as age, gender, education year, parent's
employment status, mostly used networking sites, etc.

The Bergen Social Media Addiction scale (BSMAS). The

Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) was originally adapted
from the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS; Andreassen, et.al.
2012), the social media addiction scale consists of six items reflecting core
addiction elements to the social media (Griffiths, 2005). For each item on
the scale, the respondents had to rate on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from
very rarely (1) to very often (5); items on the scale are like, "How often
during the last year have you tried to cut down on the use of social media
without success?”, "How they had been feeling by using the social
networking sites for example; messenger, snap chat, Instagram, Twitter,
YouTube, Whatsapp, Facebook". Internal consistency of the BSMAS was
good (Cronbach's α =.88).
The Social Media Addiction scale used in the current study was
based on the six-item instrument constructed by developed by Stale
Pallesen and was translated by Zafar and Kasur (2016).

Perceived Stress Scale (PSS; Cohen et al, 1983). Perceived Stress

Scale is developed by Cohen et al, (1983). It is used to measure the degree
to which people identify their lives as stressful. People were asked to
choose the best option that suits their character properly. Subjects specify
how often they have found their lives unpredictable, uncontrollable, and
overloaded in the last month. It is 14-item scale with a four-point Likert
scale (that is, 0=never to 4=very often). Sample Items include: "In the last
112 IDREES AND AHMAD

month, how often have you been upset because of something that happened
unexpectedly?", "In the last month, how often have you felt nervous and
"stressed". The Cronbach alpha of PSS scale is (α = .78) which is measured
by the scale author.

Emotional Reactivity Scale (ERS; Nock et al., 2008). The

emotional Reactivity Scale is developed by Nock et al, (2008) and
translated by the researcher herself. To use the Emotional Reactivity Scale,
permission was taken from the original author. It has 22 items which are
rated on 5 points Likert Scale and range from "Not at all like me" to
"Completely like me". The emotional Reactivity Scale has 3 subscales
such as sensitivity (8 items), intensity subscale (10 items), and persistence
subscale (3 items). Reliability values for present research are sensitivity-
subscale (α=.75), intensity-subscale (α=.77), and persistence subscale
(α=.56).

Ethical considerations
Some ethical considerations were taken into consideration to
conduct this research. These are described below:
 Permission for the scale had to be approved by the authors.
 Then permission for data collection from the relevant institution
had to be approved.
 Written consent from all participants with full information about
the research explaining the nature and purpose of the study.
 The accuracy of the responses had to be kept in mind with their
confidentiality
 The participants were guaranteed that the information that has been
gathered from them would be kept confidential. And the research
outcomes would be used strictly for research purposes.

The procedure of data collection

To carry out the present study initially the permission for assessment
measures that have been used in the study has been granted by the
respective authors. The concerned authorities of the institutions were
approached to take permission for the sample to be drawn for filling the
SOCIAL NETWORKING ADDICTION, PERCEIVED STRESS AND EMOTIONAL REACTIVITY 113

questionnaires. The participants were given information about the research

topic, purpose of research, and the time duration. Those respondents who
were interested to take part in the study were briefed about the research
purpose. A few guidelines were given to the respondents of the present
study. Before gathering the information, they will be ensured that their
information would keep confidential and would not be revealed to others,
and would just be utilized for the research reason. Data were collected in
group settings. The questionnaires were provided to the respondents of the
research. They were instructed that read the items carefully and sincerely.
And the participants were also requested not to leave any question/answer
unfilled. Queries of participants during filling the questionnaire were
answered. The information gathered was scored through the scoring
framework. For the analysis and to test the hypothesis, the statistical
package for social sciences (SPSS version 20) was utilized for the
investigation of the information.

Results
 Descriptive statistics were used to find out the mean differences
between the variables.
 Reliability analysis was done for establishing the psychometric
properties of the variables.
 Pearson product-moment correlation was used to find out whether
the significant relations between variables exist or not.
 Multiple regression was used to find out the significant difference
between social networking addiction and perceived stress and
emotional reactivity among students.
 An independent sample t-test was applied to find out the mean
difference between males and females.

Table 1 shows the demographic characteristics of the research

participants. The table showed participants' mean age was 21 years (SD=
2.55). 45% of males and 54% of females were included in the sample. Out
of 266 participants, 75% participants were undergraduates, 78%
participants were students, and 4% participants were employed. Most of
the participant's mothers were housewives (62%) and fathers belonged to
114 IDREES AND AHMAD

army-officer and belonged to middle-class socioeconomic status with

87%, 10% belonged to the upper-class family and very few (4%) belonged
to lower-class. 96% of the participants have the availability of the internet.
According to the research, the most time-spending social networking site
is Whatsapp and very few use other sites such as Instagram, Twitter, snap
chat. 85% of participants mostly use smartphones for using social
networking sites.
Table 2 showed that the reliability of all scales and subscales. The
reliability of the social media addiction scale, perceived stress scale, and
emotional reactivity scale is greater than 0.5 so all the scales have
moderate reliability. But overall, the emotional reactivity had a reliability
of 0.80, the sensitivity scale had 0.73, the intensity scale had 0.44, and
the persistence scale had 0.60; all being strong reliabilities of this
research.
Table 3 shows the correlation matrix of variables. The results
suggested that there is a significant relationship between variables. The
correlation analysis has been carried out to check the relationship between
the social media addiction scale, perceived stress scale, and emotional
reactivity. The correlation coefficients reported a significant relationship
among all the three main variables. One of the study objectives was to
determine gender differences. However, the correlation analysis showed
no significant relationship between gender with social networking
addictions, perceived stress, and emotional reactivity. Similarly, Table 4
also confirms insignificant results. This means the relationship among
variable do not get influenced by gender (male or female).
In Table 4 it was hypothesized that social networking addiction and
perceived stress predicts emotional reactivity. Hierarchical regression has
been carried out to see the most important predictors of sensitivity,
intensity, and persistence reactivity. Findings revealed that social
networking addiction is the most important predictor which strongly
impacts sensitivity, intensity, and persistence reactivity in all domains.
And perceived stress positively predicts the sensitivity and persistence of
reactivity. The demographic gender doesn't predict any of the variables in
this research.
SOCIAL NETWORKING ADDICTION, PERCEIVED STRESS AND EMOTIONAL REACTIVITY 115

Table 5 shows that an independent sample t-test was used to

compare the gender differences for the variables (men M=16.9, SD= 4.0;
and women M=16.4, SD= 4.4) i.e. that social networking addiction and
perceived stress and emotional reactivity. Social networking addiction,
perceived stress, and emotional reactivity had no significant gender
differences since all p-values > 0.05.

Discussion
To find the nature, direction, and relationship among addictions to
social networking, perceived stress, and emotional reactivity in University
students of Pakistan, Pearson correlation, regression, and t-test analysis
were applied. The total sample of the study was N=266, (Male=147,
Female=120). The sample was selected based on non-probability
purposive sampling.
Social networking addiction, perceived stress, and emotional
reactivity may lead to psychological problems. Psychological problems is
a rising issue among university students, and this research can also help
the people who are in the health profession and other fields related to
health. To investigate the difference and relationship between social
networking addiction, perceived stress, and emotional reactivity among
university students. The role of demographic variables was also observed.
It was hypothesized that "there would be a significant relationship
between perceived stress and emotional reactivity among university
students.” The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant
relationship among all the three main variables with perceived stress and
emotional reactivity. One of the study objectives was to determine gender
differences. However, the correlation analysis showed no significant
relationship between gender with social networking addictions, perceived
stress, and emotional reactivity. Similarly, Table 5 also confirms
insignificant results. This means the relationship among variable do not get
influenced by gender (male or female). Previous research also supported
the finding of this study. A study was conducted on the effects of social
media on depression anxiety and stress. The finding of the study revealed
that there was a positive significant correlation between the number of
social media platforms across all three emotional states (depression,
116 IDREES AND AHMAD

anxiety, and stress). There was no significant correlation between gender

variables (Hughes, 2018).
Another hypothesis has been stated that “Social networking addiction
and perceived stress is likely to predict emotional reactivity among
university students”. There is evidence from the empirical study on
exploration of generation using social media from an emotional
perspective. The results showed that social media activities and
perceptions were closely predicted by emotional perspectives (Xueyan
2019).
It was hypothesized that “there would be a significant difference
between man and woman with respect to social networking addiction,
perceived stress, and emotional reactivity." The results of the study
indicate that no significant difference was found between boys and girls.
Another hypothesis has been stated that “there would be a significant
relationship between perceived stress and emotional reactivity among
university students.” It shows that there were significant results for
perceived stress and emotional reactivity. To support the finding of the
current research the empirical evidence has been mentioned that research
was conducted on stress and emotional reactivity for gender differences in
adolescents. The results of the study indicate that the stressful events
significantly mediated gender differences and individual differences in
emotional reactivity to these stressors significantly moderated the
relationship between stress (Stawski et. al 2008).
This study would be for individuals who use social networking
most of the time and those who experience perceived stress. Most students
are unaware of the consequences of social networking addiction. This
research will help them know every consequence. This will allow them to
manage their time properly so that they can get rid of problems associated
with the use of social media. From this research, the young generation can
get aware of social networking addiction and the effect of stress on their
emotional reactivity. The young generation of our society should try to
avoid the use of social networking sites that affect their academic
performance and emotional experiences. Similarly, the health issues
related to the use of social media will also be tackled by acknowledging it
as caused by social media use among the students. From this research, the
SOCIAL NETWORKING ADDICTION, PERCEIVED STRESS AND EMOTIONAL REACTIVITY 117

young generation can get the awareness of the addiction to social media
and the effect of stress on their daily lives.

Conclusion
The basic purpose of doing this research was to find out the
possible connection between social networking addiction, perceived stress,
and emotional reactivity among university students. Social networking
addiction, perceived stress, and emotional reactivity may lead to
psychological problems. The study was conducted among university
students of Lahore Pakistan. Findings revealed that there is an
insignificant relationship between demographics (Gender) with main
variables of study.
However, no significant relationship was found with gender. This
might be perhaps due to changing social norms of our society where a
specific gender does not get marginalized under the slogan of equal rights
and equal participation. Since our sample consists of university students
(and not the marginalized section) and both genders are now facing similar
situations and similar opportunities. Therefore, their access to social media
and their perception of stress and emotional reactivity might not vary
considerably. The young generation of our society should try to avoid the
use of social networking sites that affect their emotional experiences.
Previous research stated that emotional reactivity is dependent on
many factors and of course, they are correlated with the standard of living
and the functions of psychology. The evidence from the empirical study
showed that addiction to social networking and stress can have an impact
on an individual's professional life, personal life, and living standard and
it can immensely affect the level of individuals. This is the reason that there
should be required attention to the social networking addiction, perceived
stress, and emotional reactivity among university students. Educational
organizations must promote a healthy environment for university students.
The research will contribute to undermining different other aspects related
to emotional reactivity.
118 IDREES AND AHMAD

Implications of the study

 This study would be for individuals who use social networking
most of the time and those who experience perceived stress. Most
students are unaware of the consequences of social networking
addiction. This research will help them know every consequence.
This will allow them to manage their time properly so that they can
get rid of problems associated with the use of social media.
 This research will provide insight to students, parents,
policymakers, and counselors to identify the consequences of
excessive usage of social networking addiction and will help them
to devise strategies to reduce social networking addiction.
 From this research, the young generation can get the awareness of
social networking addiction and the effect of stress on their
emotional reactivity.
 The young generation of our society should try to avoid the use of
social networking sites that affect their academic performance and
emotional experiences.
 Similarly, the health issues related to the use of social networking
will also be tackled by acknowledging it to be caused by social
media use among the students.
 This research has also important implications for counselors to
develop productive programs, through which they can guide
students to lessen how to control their desire for excessive social
networking usage, stress, and emotional reactivity.
 From this research, the young generation can get aware of the
addiction to social media and the effect of stress in their daily lives.

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Received February 23, 2021

Revisions Received June 21, 2022
 SOCIAL NETWORKING ADDICTION, PERCEIVED STRESS AND EMOTIONAL REACTIVITY 121

Figure 1 Proposed model

Table 1
Table Showing the Demographic Characteristics of the Research
Participants (N=266)

Characteristics M(SD) f (%)

Age(years) 21.2(2.55)
Gender
Men 120(45.1)
Women 146(54.9)
Education
Graduation 202(75.9)
Post-graduation 19(7.1)
MS 18(6.8)
M-Phil 07(2.6)
BBA 12(4.5)
MBA 08(3.0)
Employment status self
Employed 15(4.4)
Un-employed 209(78.6)
Employment status parents
 122 IDREES AND AHMAD

Mother employment status

Doctor 3(1.1)
House-wife 168(62.7)
Teacher 6(2.3)
Professor 1(.4)
Medical representative 1(.4)
Father employment status
Businessman 53(16.0)
Army-officer 51(17.3)
Charter accountant 7(2.3)
Doctor 7(2.3)
Retired army 13(4.3)
Socio-economic status
Upper-class 32(10.7)
Middle-class 261(87.0)
Lower-class 4(1.3)
Internet availability access
Yes 254(95.5)
No 11(4.1)
Frequently used social networking site
Facebook 49(18.4)
Twitter 8(3.0)
Instagram 44(16.5)
What’s app 120(45.1)
YouTube 5(1.9)
Snapchat 3(1.1)
Tiktok 2(.8)
All of them 32(.8)
Frequently used electronic tool for social
networking
Laptop 30(10.8)
Smart phone 226(85.0)
Media tablet 8(3.0)
All of them 02(.8)
Note: N=266
SOCIAL NETWORKING ADDICTION, PERCEIVED STRESS AND EMOTIONAL REACTIVITY 123

Table 2 Psychometric Properties of Scale, Social media addiction scale,

perceived Stress Scale, and Emotional Reactivity scale (N=266).

Range

Variables K M SD α Actual potential

Social Media Addiction 6 16.69 4.27 .54 6-30 6-30

Perceived Stress Scale 14 27.53 5.51 .42 5-56 0-56

Emotional Reactivity 21 44.94 14.59 .80 0-82 0-84

Sensitivity-subscale 10 20.96 7.23 .73 0-38 0-40

Intensity-subscale 7 15.75 6.44 .44 0-28 0-28

Persistence-subscale 4 8.07 3.35 .60 0-16 0-16

Note: k= total numbers of items, M= mean, SD= standard deviation, a=

alpha; Cronbach’s index of internal consistency
124 IDREES AND AHMAD

Table 3
Pearson’s correlation statistical technique is used to examine the
relationship among variables. Correlation Matrix for Subscales of Social
media addiction, perceived Stress and Emotional Reactivity among
university students (N=266).

Measures 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1.Gender - -.03 .09 .07 .09 .02 .08
2.Social Networking - - .27 .21* .23* .25*
Addiction .24* ** * * *
*
3. Perceived Stress - .22 .19* .15* .24*
** * *
4. Emotional - .91* .86* .76*
Reactivity * * *
5. Sensitivity-subscale - 63* .64*
* *
6. Intensity-subscale - .50*
*
7.Persistence-subscale -

Note: *p<.05. **p<.01

SOCIAL NETWORKING ADDICTION, PERCEIVED STRESS AND EMOTIONAL REACTIVITY 125

Table 4
Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analyses predicting social
networking addiction and perceived stress from emotional reactivity among
university students (N=266).
Emotional reactivity

Sensitivity Intensity Persistence

Predictors ∆ R2 Β ∆ R2 β ∆ R2 Β

Block 1 .00 .00 .00

Gender .18 .00 .07

Block 2 .05 .06 .06

Social .22*** .25*** .26***

networking
Addiction
Block 3 .01 .00 .03

Perceived .13** .09 .18***

stress
Total R2 .07 .0.07 .10
F
6.64*** 6.54*** 9.67***

N 266 266 266

Note: ∆ R = R change; ᵝ = Standardized coefficient; R = Sum of R

square;*p<.05, **p<.01,***p<
126 IDREES AND AHMAD

Table 5

Independent Sample T-test showing Gender Differences on scales

of Social Networking Addiction, Perceived Stress and Emotional
Reactivity (N=266)

Men Women
95% CI

M SD M SD t(264) P LL UL

Social networking 16.9 4.0 16.4 4.4 .83 .40 -.56 1.39
Addiction
Perceived stress 27.2 5.8 27.8 5.1 -.85 .31 - .72
1.84
SOCIAL NETWORKING ADDICTION, PERCEIVED STRESS AND EMOTIONAL REACTIVITY 127

Sensitivity- 20.2 6.9 21.5 7.4 -1.53 .31 -3.0 .37

Subscale
Intensity-Subscale 15.4 6.0 16.0 6.7 -.86 .38 - .83
2.13

Persistence- 7.7 3.3 8.4 3.3 -1.77 .38 - .07

Subscale 1.45
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