ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Social Media Addiction and Experience in Close relationship among Young Adults

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social media addiction (SMA) and experiences in close relationships among young adults. A sample of 120 university students (60 males and 60 females) aged 18 to 30 years from Kerala University was selected using simple random sampling. Employing a quantitative, cross-sectional research design, data were collected using the Social Media Disorder Scale (SMDS) and the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) questionnaire to assess SMA and attachment-related anxiety and avoidance, respectively. Results indicated significant positive correlations between SMA and both attachment anxiety (r = .291, p < .01) and avoidance (r = .239, p < .01). Sex differences emerged, with males scoring higher on attachment anxiety, females on attachment avoidance, and SMA severity. Platform usage influenced outcomes: Instagram users exhibited higher attachment anxiety, while Snapchat users showed greater attachment avoidance and SMA. Relationship status and time spent on social media also significantly differentiated attachment and SMA measures. Findings support theoretical models linking insecure attachment to compulsive social media use and underscore the importance of attachment-informed interventions in digital wellness and relationship counselling. Keywords: Social media addiction, close relationships, attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, young adults, digital behaviour.