Social Media Addiction, Sleep Deprivation, and Depression among Undergraduate Makerere University Students

Abstract

Social media addiction is one of the newest addictions in the world today. Social media is designed in an addictive manner that it has resulted into notable negative consequences, such as, poor sleep, low academic performance, and depressive symptoms. This study aimed to examine the relationships between social media addiction, sleep deprivation, and depression among undergraduate Makerere University students. This was done by using the quantitative and correlational study design with a sample of 200 participants comprising of both female and male undergraduate Makerere University students who were purposively selected. Data was collected using a self-reported questionnaire. The results revealed that social media addiction (β = .253, p<.001) and sleep deprivation (β = .323, p<.001) were significant predictors of depression. Other results revealed that social media addiction was a significant predictor of sleep deprivation (β = .486, p<.001). The mediation analysis revealed that when sleep deprivation entered the relationship between social media addiction and depression, the direct effect remained significant (β = .253, p<.001). The results implied that high levels of social media addiction and sleep deprivation increased the likelihood of depressive symptoms. Hence, there should be sensitization about social media use, social media addiction, and their impact on students’ lives. Also, students should appropriately use social media in the right time and exercise healthy sleeping habits.