Anusmita Biswas,
Christ University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Tripti Kumari and Nishat Afroz,
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
Pages:403-413
Social networking sites (SNSs) became an integral part of adolescents’ lives, shaping
their communication and social identity. Excessive use of SNSs leads to social
networking addiction (SNA). It can adversely affect well-being and daily life functioning.
This study raises awareness and helps adolescents cope with their mental health
challenges. This study examines the relationships between SNA, depression, and
loneliness among adolescents, and it investigates the variations in depression and
loneliness levels based on the duration of daily engagement with SNSs, distinguishing
between individuals who spend a maximum (4 to 7 hours) and minimum (0 to 3 hours)
time on SNSs per day. Data were collected from 263 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years
from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (India). The results indicate a significant and positive
relationship among SNA, depression, and loneliness in adolescents. Additionally, a
notable difference in depression and loneliness levels was observed between those
who engaged with SNSs for a maximum and minimum time. Findings have implications
for mental health practitioners, educators, and policymakers in developing strategies
that support adolescents’ mental well-being in both digital and physical spaces.