Trapped in the Feed: Social Media Addiction, Problematic Internet Use and Sense of Belonging among College Students

In the twenty-first century, social media platforms have transformed communication, entertainment, and information dissemination, creating virtual communities that facilitate instant connectivity and real-time engagement. Despite these benefits, there are growing concerns about social media addiction and problematic internet use, particularly its negative association to personal relationships and social interactions. The current study addresses the gap in understanding the association of online engagement with sense of belonging of college students. The study utilized a correlational research design using stratified random sampling to gather responses from 464 college students across disciplines in an institution. Data was gathered using three questionnaires from previously validated studies and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlational analysis. The study found that moderate social media addiction and problematic internet use among students negatively impact their sense of belongingness. Significant negative correlations were identified, with higher online engagement linked to decreased feelings of community within the social environment. These findings highlight the need for balanced online and offline interactions to enhance students' social integration and overall well-being.