What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to investigate how social media addiction correlates with anxiety, depression, and loneliness in young adults in India.

April 14, 2026Open Access

Relationship Between Social Media Addiction and Anxiety, Depression, and Loneliness among Young Adults in India

Key Points

The aim is to investigate how social media addiction correlates with anxiety, depression, and loneliness in young adults in India.
Employing a cross-sectional correlational design with 100 college students
Using standardized psychometric tools like the BSMAS, GAD-7, PHQ-9, and UCLA Loneliness Scale
Analyzing correlations and regression modeling to assess the variance explained by mental distress
Strong positive correlations observed: SMA and loneliness (r=0.67), anxiety (r=0.62), depression (r=0.58)
These variables explain 54% of the variance in social media addiction levels (R2=0.54)
Loneliness identified as the strongest predictor of social media addiction (β=0.42)

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: This research investigates the correlational relationship between Social Media Addiction (SMA) and mental distress specifically anxiety, depression, and loneliness among Indian young adults. It provides empirical data regarding the impacts of digital dependency on the mental health spectrum of college students. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was utilized to collect data from 100 students at three major universities in North India. Standardized psychometric tools were employed, including the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), GAD-7, PHQ-9, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3). Findings: Analysis revealed strong positive correlations between SMA and loneliness (r=0.67 , pNovelty: This study introduces a unique 2026 dataset that shifts the academic discourse from simple usage metrics to precise psychological predictors, providing a localized foundation for targeted digital hygiene interventions in the Indian context. Keywords: Social Media Addiction, Mental Health India, Young Adult Psychology, Digital Dependency, Academic Performance, Social Isolation, Anxiety and Depression

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