Social Networking Usage, Social Isolation, and Attitude Towards Violence Tendencies in Pakistani Youth

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative study was to evaluate the link between between social isolation, social networking usage, and tendencies of violent attitudes in young adults. Convenient sampling method used to collect data for this quantitative study from 300 participants, age ranging between 18 to 25years years (M=18.95, SD= 1.12). Demographic Questionnaire, Social networking addiction, Revised Attitudes towards Violence Scales were used. Self-report questionnaires were employed to gather data on various traits, including violence propensity, social isolation, and social networking usage patterns. In order to investigate the relationships between these variables, correlation and regression analyses were conducted. The findings of the study indicated that social isolation acts as a mediator between social networking addiction and attitudes towards violent behavior. Specifically, excessive use of social media was found to be associated with increased social isolation among Pakistani youth. This suggests that the overuse of social media platforms may hinder face-to-face social interactions and contribute to feelings of disconnection, thereby fostering a positive attitude towards violent behavior. Additionally, there was a positive correlation observed between social networking addiction and aggression sentiments. Individuals who exhibited addiction-like behaviors towards social media displayed a more favorable outlook on violence. This implies that social media platforms may exert an influence on the perception of violence among Pakistani youth. These findings have important implications for mental health professionals, educators, and policymakers, as they highlight the need for effective interventions and strategies to address the detrimental consequences of excessive social networking use and social isolation among Pakistani youth. By understanding the linkages between these factors, it becomes possible to develop targeted approaches that mitigate the negative impacts on mental well-being and promote healthier online and offline interactions.