EXAMINING THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON AGGRESSION AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

This quantitative study investigates the influence of social media usage on aggression among young adults, a demographic heavily engaged in digital platforms. With the growing pervasiveness of social networking sites, it becomes imperative to assess not just the benefits but also the psychological repercussions of this digital culture. In particular, the study explores how time spent on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter may contribute to the development or intensification of aggressive behaviors in users aged 18 to 25. The study's core objective is to examine how social media usage correlates with aggression, predict aggression based on usage patterns, and determine whether gender differences moderate this relationship. These aims are encapsulated in three hypotheses: (H1) social media usage is positively correlated with aggression; (H2) social media usage significantly predicts aggression; and (H3) the relationship is stronger in males than females. These hypotheses are grounded in the General Aggression Model and supported by empirical research indicating the role of situational factors in shaping aggressive behaviors. A total of 150 university students were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a self-reported measure of social media usage and the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire. The data analysis, performed via SPSS, included correlation, regression, and gender-based subgroup comparisons. The results revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between social media usage and aggression (r = .452, p < .01), supporting Hypothesis 1. Regression analysis confirmed Hypothesis 2, showing that social media usage significantly predicted aggression, accounting for 20.4% of the variance (R² = .204). Furthermore, gender based correlations revealed a stronger relationship for males (r = .522) than females (r = .458), validating Hypothesis 3. These findings support the argument that social media usage is not a neutral activity but one with meaningful psychological consequences, especially for individuals already susceptible to emotional volatility. The differential impact by gender highlights the need for nuanced intervention strategies that consider biological, social, and cultural factors. Importantly, this study addresses a gap in the literature by focusing on aggression as a specific outcome, distinguishing it from the broader constructs of mental health. The results have significant implications for digital literacy campaigns, educational programming, and the ethical design of social media platforms. In light of these insights, the study advocates for a more intentional approach to digital engagement among young adults. It underscores the necessity of promoting awareness about the psychological effects of social media use, particularly in a cultural context where digital behavior is rapidly evolving. Future research should consider longitudinal designs to establish causality and incorporate other psychosocial variables that might influence or mediate the relationship between digital activity and aggression.