5th Edition of Addiction World Conference 2026

Abstract

The study was designed to investigate Social Media Addiction (SMA) among university students in South Western Nigeria, examining the relationships between self-esteem, personality traits, and SMA. The theoretical framework encompasses components within a biopsychosocial and behavioral addiction framework, employing a descriptive survey design. A total of 382 students across academic levels and departments participated, using the Adapted Social Media Addiction Scale (ASMAS), comprising the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS), the big five personality traits scale, and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Frequency counts, percentage distribution, independent T-test analysis, and Pearson product-moment correlation were performed on collected data at a 0.05 significance level. 

Results indicate social media addiction among university students, with salience, tolerance, and mood modification criteria having high associations and relapse and withdrawal showing positive moderate associations. Personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness) and self-esteem exhibit positive (direct) and negative (indirect) relationships with SMA, respectively. Demographic variables showed no significant relationship with SMA, and there was no discernible difference in SMA levels between males and females. The study identified low self-esteem and specific personality traits as SMA risk factors, highlighting students' vulnerability irrespective of age, gender, or academic level. The findings underscore the need for intervention mechanisms within Social Media Addiction strategic management planning to prevent academic disorientation resulting from inappropriate social media use.