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Table of contents
Content
Title pages
Table of contents
List of Appendices
Chapter I Introduction
1.1. Social media addiction
1.1.1. Types of social media addiction
1.1.2. Causes of social media addiction
1.1.3. Consequences of social media addiction
1.1.4. Theories of social media addiction
1.2. Procrastination
1.2.1. Types of procrastination
1.2.2. Causes of procrastination
1.2.3. Consequences of procrastination
1.2.4. Theories of procrastination
1.3. Mental Health
1.3.1. Types of social media addiction
1.3.2. Causes of social media addiction
1.3.3. Consequences of social media addiction
1.3.4. Theories of social media addiction
Chapter no II Literature Review
2.1. Global Researches
2.2. Indigenous Research
2.3. Rationale
2.4. Objective
2.5. Hypothesis
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Chapter no III Method

3.1. Research Design
3.2. Sampling Strategy
3.3. Sample
3.4. Inclusion Criteria
3.5. Exclusion Criteria
3.6. Operational Definitions
3.7. Assessment measures
3.8. Procedure
3.9. Proposed stastical analysis
3.10. Ethical consideration
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Abstract

The purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship between social media addiction,

procrastination and mental health in young adults. It is hypothesized that there will be relationship

between social media addiction, procrastination and mental health. The sample comprised of (N=200)

young adults will be selected from different universities and colleges. Assessment measures such as

Social Networking Addiction Questionnaire developed by (SNAS) Shahnawaz and Usama Rehman

(2020), General Procrastination Questionnaire (GPS) developed by Lodha et.al (2019) and Promise

Mental Health Questionnaire developed by Ronald D Hays, Benjammin David Schalet and Karen

Spritzer (2017) will be administered on young adults. Pearson Product moment correlation, Linear

Regression analysis and independent sample t-test will be used to assess the relationship between social

media addiction, procrastination and mental health.

Keyword: social media addiction, procrastination, mental health.

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Chapter I
Introduction

Social media addiction can influence your brain in harmful ways. A person can become

so accustomed to scrolling posts, images and videos that it interferes with other areas of your

life. This activity is becoming more accessible to more people, though, more people may develop

an addiction to social media at some point in their lives (Cherney, 2020).

Procrastination is the habit of delaying an important task, usually by focusing on less urgent,

more enjoyable, and easier activities instead. It is different from laziness, which is the

unwillingness to act. Procrastination can restrict your potential and undermine your career.

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we

think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make

healthy choices (Pandurengun, 2019). The purpose of the study will determine that how social

media addiction and procrastination affect mental health.

1.1. Social Media Addiction

Social media addiction is an unhealthy dependence on interactive platforms such as

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Like most dependencies, social media addiction manifests as

overuse and difficulty in abstaining. Ironically, one common effect of the problem is social

isolation (Wigmore, 2019).

Social media addiction is a form of behavioral addiction in which a person engages in the

compulsive and excessive use of social media. Problematic social media use ends up interfering

with other aspects of one’s life and can affect a person in several harmful ways. Some indicators

can help determine the existence of social media addiction in an individual (Zayed, 2022).
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Similar to other forms of addiction, people with a social media addiction feel an incessant

need to continue engaging with social media despite the consequences. Such consequences may

ultimately cost one a marriage, child, friend, job opportunity, or overall reputation. There may

also be legal ramifications (Glowaik, 2022).

Social media, which is constantly changing and developing, has become an

indispensable tool for today's societies. Social media, which is at the ultimate point of

information sharing worldwide through the Internet, makes the notion of time and space

unimportant, allowing individual and collective life to be carried to brand new dimensions.

Therefore, the most meaningful social definition corresponding to the description and

understanding of this new process occurring in the global network cycle is network society

(Zeybek, 2012).

1.1.1. Types of Social Media Addiction

People may develop an addiction to certain activities carried out on social media. The

five types of social media addiction are listed below.

1.1.1.1. Cybersex addiction

Is a sexual addiction that involves virtual sexual activity on the internet. The term

cybersex also refers to various kinds of sexually explicit content available online that can easily

be accessed nowadays. The causes of cybersex addiction include poor impulse control, intimacy

issues, and a history of multiple addictions to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, food, gambling, or sex

(Zayed, 2022).
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1.1.1.2 Compulsive information seeking

Compulsive information seeking is characterized by the constant need to gather new

information in technological contexts. The vast amount of information that is readily available

online has caused some people to develop an uncontrollable urge to continually seek more

information (Zayed, 2022).

1.1.1.3. Net compulsions

Net compulsion are a form of internet addiction disorder that involves virtual activities

that are financially and socially damaging, including online gambling, compulsive stock trading,

online shopping, and online gaming. The causes of net compulsions include ease of access to

online stores and casinos, underlying mental health issues, and family or friend influence (Zayed,

2022).

1.2. Causes

Social media addiction is caused by many contributing factors. The most common causes

of social media addiction are listed below.

1.1.2.1. Addictiveness

The addictive potential of social media can be largely attributed to the novelty that

different social media sites offer. Social networking apps come up with new ideas to have people

as returning visitors to the platform all the time. This makes individuals more vulnerable to

compulsive overconsumption of online media (Zayed, 2023).

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.1.2.2. Stress and self-esteem

Social media allows users to selectively showcase life by only selecting the finest

moments. It can give a false impression that people have to keep up and try harder to live a more

desirable life. This can cause stress and lower self-esteem to an individual by putting

unnecessary pressure on oneself to do better in life (Zayed, 2023).

1.1.2.3. Social anxiety

An inability to establish and maintain real-life relationships can make a person turn to

social media where connections are made easier. Someone who suffers from social anxiety may

prefer to spend time in the virtual world as engaging does not require real-life interactions

(Zayed, 2023).

1.1.3. Consequences

Overconsumption of social media can have negative repercussions. The effects of social

media addiction are listed below.

1.1.3.1. Anxiety and depression

The lack of real and deeper connection with other people offline can cause depressive

symptoms. The superficial connections established in social media tend to be less emotionally

satisfying. As a result, people who are addicted to social media do not get the benefits of healthy

social interaction (Zayed, 2023).

1.1.3.2. Increased isolation

There is still an ongoing debate about whether perceived social isolation causes people to

turn to social media or excessive users develop feelings of isolation. Either way, evidence exists
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that spending less time interacting face to face can cause negative mood states like social

isolation (Zayed, 2023).

1.1.3.3. Decreased physical activity

Spending a lot of time on the phone means someone has less time for physical activities

that can help generate a sense of accomplishment. Although an interaction in social media can

make someone feel good, this effect is more temporary and less satisfying (Zayed, 2023).

1.1.3.4. Low self-esteem

Loss of self-esteem can stem from comparing oneself with seemingly perfect images of

people posted online. As a result, people suffering from social media addiction have reported

worries about body image, among others (Zayed, 2023).

1.1.3.6. Lack of empathy

A person who struggles with social media addiction often chooses to communicate

through email, messaging, or social media rather than face-to-face. The lack of face-to-face

communication can impede a person’s empathy as feeling empathy is best learned through social

situations (Zayed, 2023).

1.1.5. Theories Implicated

There are many theories of communication that have been created regarding

computer mediated communication that can be applied to social media usage, as well as general

communication theories. Social media offers a unique interaction platform for users, which

allows communication.
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1.1.5.1. Impact hypothesis theories.

This theory “offers a more explicit account of media’s influence on risk perception. The

impersonal impact hypothesis posits that the effect of the mass media is determined by the type

of perceived risk (2012). He goes on to note that this hypothesis has implications mainly for

social standing and less personal implications, which is an important function of social media.

By identifying that social media is more social engagement and that less of a personal impact is

at stake, there is a better understanding of why people are engaging in social media. Since users

can shape their profiles to fit the appearance they want to depict socially but not risk morals or

other things they hold as important, there is a “to harm, no foul” overtone to social media

engagement. This drives users to create these profiles and begin engaging in the first place.

Differential impact hypothesis (Yalin, 2020).

1.1.5.2. Uses and gratifications theory.

The theory states that people are motivated to seek out forms of media to satisfy their

psychological and social needs (West & Turner, 2007). Although originally conceptualized

before the present technological advances and the existence of social media, this theory can

easily encapsulate motivations for social media usage and help to explain the threat of addiction.

It is very applicable when given the nature of social media and the potential motivations for

usage. Since there is a wide variety of platforms that are created with different aesthetics in

mind, the uses and gratifications theory allows researchers to view social media addiction in a

light that aids them in understanding why users engage in social media interactions and why they

choose the platforms they utilize. While some of this can be predicted by looking at factors like

age and gender, some of the variation here is based on personality and the social environment

that the user prefers. A study done about Facebook habits and addiction found that while men
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may be more prone to becoming addicted to solitary behaviors, women tend to be more at risk

for behavioral addictions involving social interaction (Yalin, 2020).

1.1.5.3. Media dependency theory.

The theory states that there are three different media needs. First is surveillance, or

needing to understand one’s social environment. Second, social utility describes the need to act

in a way that is both efficient and significant within that social world. Lastly, the need for an

escape, or to get away from the social environment when one feels overwhelmed. , the need for

an escape, or to get away from the social environment when one feels overwhelmed. Social

media allows users to fulfill all of these needs in some way. Social media allows people to

observe the behaviors and published personalities of others without them even knowing, thus

gauging the social environment. It also gives users a sense of importance when their interactions

are highly “liked” or “shared” on platforms, which could make users feel that they are posting

meaningful things. Social media also offers users an escape from face-to-face interactions and

gives them a place where they can simply observe without contributing to any conversation, thus

allowing them to fulfill the component of escape. The authors of this theory also mention the

effects that media can have on consumers, noting the strength of the cognitive impacts of media.

Within cognitive effects, they acknowledge the impact of media in agenda-setting, attitude

formation and uncertainty avoidance and resolution (Rokeach, 1985). Social media displays

these effects most definitely, demonstrating the power of agenda-setting through trending stories

and tweets, etc increasing amount of people seem to be relying on social media as a news source,

giving social media platforms and the people they follow the power to set the agenda (Yalin,

2022).
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1.2. Procrastination

Procrastination is defined as to delay doing something until later, usually something that

you do not want to do (Akulu, 2016).

There is a strong body of evidence suggesting that lower levels of self-regulating

behaviours are related to higher levels of procrastination, and thus self-regulation is one of the

keys to understanding procrastination (Ferrari, 2015).

Procrastination consists of the intentional delay of an intended course of action, in spite

of an awareness of negative outcomes (Klassen, Krawchuk & Rajani,2021).

Procrastination is the bad habit of putting of until the day after tomorrow what should

have been done the day before yesterday (Hill, 2016).

Procrastination has traditionally been understood as a self-regulation or time management

problem (Wolters et al, 2003)

Procrastination is complex behavior that involves both cognitive and emotional elements

as well as evaluations of one’s own competence (Visser et al, 2001)

1.2.1Types of procrastination

1.2.1.1. The Perfectionist Procrastinator

The perfectionist procrastinator tend to put forth excessive amounts of time and energy to

make sure that everything they do is perfect. They also put off starting tasks due to a fear of

failure or doubts about doing it the right way. And see everything in life as things that have to be

done, not necessarily what they want to do more (Donovan, 2023).

1.2.1.2. The Dreamer Procrastinator

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The dreamer procrastinator tend to recoil from anything that might be difficult or

distressing. They also be passive rather than active and pay little attention to facts or details,

making it hard to focus on and perform difficult tasks. They tend to think of themselves as

special people, for whom fate will intervene, making hard work and efficiency unnecessary more

(Donovan, 2023).

1.2.1.3. The Worrier Procrastinator

The worrier procrastinator tend to be indecisive and often fail to commit themselves to

the specific decisions they do make. They tend to lack confidence in their own abilities, causing

them to avoid or delay doing things. Also they tend to be dependent upon others for advice,

reassurance, nurturance, and help more (Donovan, 2023).

1.2.1.4. The Crisis-Maker Procrastinator

The crises maker procrastinator tend to first ignore the task, then feel intensely caught up

in it, when faced with an undesirable task. They dramatize situations, making themselves the

center of attention and they have a need to prove themselves more (Donovan, 2023).

1.2.2. Causes of procrastination

Some of the most common reasons for what causes procrastination include:

Perfectionism, Fear of failure, Fear of criticism, Avoidance, Low self-esteem, A tendency

to self-defeat, Depression, Trouble focusing, ADHD, Waiting until the last minute, Task

aversion, Resisting challenges, Decision fatigue (Lyn, 2020).

1.2.3. Consequences of procrastination

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1.2.3.1. Creating Limiting Beliefs

When you put something off and continue to do so, you start to create and then reinforce

limiting beliefs about yourself and what is possible in life. These beliefs eventually become your

identity and you start to procrastinate more and more (Donovan, 2023).

1.2.3.2. Blowing Opportunities

How many opportunities have you wasted because you didn’t take advantage of them

when they were there? This is when the effects of procrastination make you really want to kick

yourself. What you don’t realize is that the opportunity could have been life-changing, but you

missed out on it (Donovan, 2023).

1.2.3.3. Sabotaging Your Goals

Procrastination seems to come on with full force when we entertain the thought of goals,

of wanting to achieve or change something. You might have a strong desire to change, but you

just can’t seem to take the first step forward. Maybe you set yourself a goal but you take no

action (Donovan, 2023).

1.2.4. Theories of Procrastination

1.2.4.1. Temporal Motivation Theory

Temporal Motivation Theory (aka The Procrastination Equation) represents the most

recent developments in motivational research; it is an integrative theory from which most other

motivational theories can be derived. Motivation indicates the drive or preference for a course of

action, what economists call utility. Motivation indicates the drive or preference for a course of

action, what economists call utility. Naturally, the higher the utility, the greater the preference.
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On the top of the equation, the numerator, we have two variables: Expectancy and Value.

Expectancy refers to the odds or chance of an outcome occurring while Value refers to how

rewarding that outcome is. Naturally, we would like to choose pursuits that give us

a good chance of having a pleasing outcome. On the bottom of the equation, the denominator, we

also have two variables. Impulsiveness refers to your sensitivity to delay. The more impulsive

you are, the less you like to delay gratification. Finally, Delay indicates how long, on average,

you must wait to receive the payout that is the expected reward. Since delay is in the bottom of

the equation, the longer the delay, the less motivated we feel about taking action. How does this

theory relate to procrastination? Essentially, we are constantly beset with making decisions

among various courses of action. Should we go to the gym or watch TV? Should I make dinner

or order-in? TMT suggests, unsurprisingly, that we are more likely to pursue goals or tasks that

are pleasurable and that we are likely to attain. Consequently, we are more likely to put off, to

procrastinate, difficult tasks with unenjoyable qualities (Shatz, 2020).

Even more important regarding procrastination is the effects of delay. We like our

rewards not only to be large but also to be immediate. Consequently, we will most likely

procrastinate any tasks that are unpleasant in the present and offer rewards only in the distant

future (Shatz, 2020).

1.2.4.2.. Self-Handicapping

Self-handicapping is when people place obstacles that hinder their own good

performance. The motivation for self-handicapping is often to protect self-esteem by giving

people an external reason, an out, if they fail to do well. However, self-handicapping isn’t

necessarily a form of procrastination, which is voluntarily delay an intended course of action

despite expecting to be to worse-off for the delay (Shatz, 2020).

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1.3. Mental health

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is “a state of well-

being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses

of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her

community (WHO, 1948).

Mental health is defined by how individuals think and feel about themselves and their

life, and that it affects how an individual copes and manages in times of adversity. Mental health

is seen as affecting one’s abilities to function and make the most of the opportunities that are

available, and to participate fully with family, workplace, community and peers. There is a close

link between physical and mental health, as they affect each other directly and indirectly (MHF,

1948).

Mental health also involves feeling positive about oneself and others, feeling glad and

joyful and loving. Mental health, like mental illness, is also affected by biological, social,

psychological and environmental factors (SHEPS, 1997).

Mental health is divided into three domains: self-realization, in that individuals are able

to fully exploit their potential; sense of mastery over the environment; and sense of autonomy,

i.e. ability to identify, confront, and solve problems (Jahoda, 1958).

A state of mind characterized by emotional well-being, good behavioral adjustment,

relative freedom from anxiety and disabling symptoms, and a capacity to establish constructive

relationships and cope with the ordinary demands and stresses of life (APA dictionary, 2002).
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1.3.1. Types of mental health

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing.

1.3.1.1. Emotional wellbeing

Emotional wellbeing is defines as perceived life satisfaction, happiness, cheerfulness,

peacefulness. In this we discuss about the emotions such as happiness, anger, sad etc (Sissons,

2022).

1.3.1.2. Psychological wellbeing

Such as self-acceptance, personal growth including openness to new experience,

optimisim hopefulness, purpose of life, control of one’s environment, spirituality, self-direction

and positive relationship (Sissons, 2022).

1.3.1.3. Social wellbeing

Social acceptance, belief in the potential of people and society as a whole, personal self

worth and usefulness to society, sense of community. The social determinants of mental health

include adequate housing, self neighbourhood, equitable jobs and wages, quality education and

equity in access to quality health care (Sissons, 2022).

1.4. Theories of mental health

1.4.1. Behavioral theory

Behavioral psychology also known as behaviorism is a theory of learning bases on the

ideas that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning advocated by famous psychologist

such as Johen. B Watson & B.F Skinner behavioral theories dominated psychology during the
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early half of the twentieth century. Today behavioral techniques are still widely used by therapist

to help client learn new skills and behavior (Regan, 2020).

1.4.2. Cognitive theory

Cognitive theory is an approach to psychology that attempts to explain human behavior

by understanding your thought processes. For example, a therapist is using principles of

cognitive theory when they teach you how to identify maladaptive thought patterns and

transform them into constructive ones (Regan, 2020).

Cognitive theory of psychology are focused on internal states such as motivation state,

problem solving, decision making, thinking and attention. Such theories strive to explain

different mental process how the mind processes information and how our thoughts lead to

certain emotions and behavior (Regan, 2020).

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Chapter II

Literature review

Literature review consists of previous researches and work done on the variables of the

present study previously.

Research conducted by Haand and Shuwang (2020) examined the relationship

between social media addiction and depression among students of the universities in

Khost province of Afghanistan. Descriptive study was used by researcher. Stratified

random sampling was used and a 46-items self-administered questionnaire was

distributed to 384 students of three universities Shaikh Zayed, Ahmad Shah Abdali, and

Pamir University. These analyses were carried out via SPSS 21. The findings indicated

that social media addiction has a positive correlation with depression and significantly

predicts social media addiction.

The research conducted by Kreya and Wok (2021) determine social media

addiction and its influence on mental health among university students in Cambodia. The

research paper identified the most used social media platform, level of social media

addiction, and the relationship between social media addiction and mental health, in

particular, depression, anxiety, and loss of concentration. The study employed a

quantitative research design using a network sampling survey method. In this study

researcher was used the social media addiction scale and self rating anxiety scale. There

is a significant positive correlation between social media addiction and mental health,

specifically loss of concentration, depression, and anxiety, in that sequence.

The research conducted by Soroush and Khatony (2019) was to investigate the

relationship between social networking addiction and academic performance of students

in Iran. The social networking addiction of the students was at moderate level and the
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male students had a higher level of addiction compared to the female students. This

descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were analyzed by

using SPSS-18.0. There was a negative and significant relationship between the overall

use of social networks and academic performance of students.

The research conducted by Wen Xiao et al.(2022) to determine the motives for

social media use among Chinese youth and whether social media addiction associates

with depression. Another objective was to analyze possible mediating and moderating

effects in explaining the association between social media addiction and depression.

SPSS 23.0 was used by researcher in this study. The findings not only provided

theoretical support for preventing the negative effects of mobile social media addiction,

but could also directly contribute to improving adolescents’ quality of life..

The research conducted by Karim et al (2020) studies the effects of social

network usage on mental health. Fifty papers were shortlisted from google scholar

databases, and after the application of various inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 papers

were chosen and all papers were evaluated for quality. Eight papers were cross-sectional

studies, three were longitudinal studies, two were qualitative studies, and others were

systematic reviews. Findings were classified into two outcomes of mental health: anxiety

and depression. Social media activity such as time spent to have a positive effect on the

mental health domain. However, due to the cross-sectional design and methodological

limitations of sampling, there are considerable differences.

Another research conducted by Koehler and Parrell (2020) embraced two

theoretical perspectives—Ecological Model and Generalist Intervention Model—toward

determining the extent to which mental health practitioners/providers assess for the

impact of heightened use of social media on mental health. Qualitative findings

pinpointed low self-esteem, increased depression, and increased anxiety as three

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psychiatric conditions associated with uncontrolled use of social media Implications of

these findings for theory, research, social work practice, and social work education were

discussed.

Another research conducted by Masthi et al (2018) used to assess and compare

the prevalence of social media addiction between Government and Private Pre-University

(PU) college study subjects, to assess the health problems related to social media usage

among the study subjects, and to assess the various factors associated with social media

addiction. The prevalence of social media addiction was 36.9% among users, distributed

equally among private and Government. Cross research design was used in this research.

The most common health problem identified was strain on eyes (38.4%), anger (25.5%),

and sleep disturbance (26.1%). Being a male, the habit of smoking, alcohol, and tobacco,

consumption of junk food, having anxiety were found to be significant risk factors for

social media addiction.

Another research conducted by Sümen and Evgin (2021) was to examine the

relationship of social media addiction with sleep quality and psychological problems in

high school students. The study is a cross-sectional and correlational type. Social media

addiction in high school students decreases students’ sleep efficiency (p < 0.05). It is

considered important to conduct further public health studies for children and adolescents

related to the risks caused by the excessive use of technology, the consequences of social

media addiction, measures to protect psychological health, sleep programmes and the

importance of sleep quality.

The research conducted by Yamini and Pujar (2022) on the effect of social media

addiction on mental health of emerging adults was conducted in Dharwad district of

Karnataka state during the year 2020-21 to assess the social media addiction and its effect

on mental health of emerging adults. Data was collected from the students by using self-
 21

structured questionnaire. There was a negative relationship between social media

addiction and mental health status and using excessive social media has negative effect

which is influencing academic performance. 

Another research conducted by Ferari and Morales (2014) determine

procrastination and mental health suggests that poor adjustment may be explained

directly by the stress resulted from anxiety over the delay, and indirectly by the tendency

to put off important coping behaviors. In the present study, participants (80 women, 24

men; age range = 18-33 years, M age = 21.12 years old, SD = 2.03) completed Spanish

versions of a measure of coping behaviors related to mental health and a procrastination

inventory evaluating the tendency to avoid starting or completing tasks across a variety of

everyday situations. IBM SPSS 22.0 was used in this research. Results indicated that

procrastinators compared to non-procrastinators reported significantly lower positive

actions and expression feelings/needs. Significant predictors of procrastination by

students were low positive actions, expressing feelings, and assertiveness

Another research conducted by Dardara and Makhalid (2022). The main aim of

the current study was to examine the relationship between procrastination, Negative

Emotions, and mental well-being. IBM SPSS 22. Version was used for analyzed the data.

These findings suggest that age, gender, depression, stress, anxiety, and Well-being were

predictive of procrastination. Findings add to the psychological literature and improve a

better comprehension of the complicated associations between Procrastination, Negative

Emotions, and Well-Being

Another research conducted by Beutel et al. (2016) to assess procrastination and

its associations with distress and life satisfaction across the life span. Findings are

discussed with regard to potential developmental and cohort effects. While

procrastination appears to be a pervasive indicator for maladjustment, longitudinal

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analyses in high-risk samples (e.g. late adolescence, unemployment) are needed to

identify means and mechanisms of procrastinating.

This research conducted by Koehler and Parrell (2020) to study procrastination is

associated with subsequent mental health problems, disabling pain, unhealthy lifestyle

behaviors, and worse psychosocial health factors. To evaluate the association between

procrastination and subsequent health outcomes among university students in Sweden.

Considering that procrastination is prevalent among university students, these findings

may be of importance to enhance the understanding of students’ health.

Another research conducted by Frayon et al. (2023) to examined procrastination

in a multi-ethnic sample of adolescents from New Caledonia. Specifically, we examined

gender and ethnic differences in procrastination, as well as sociodemographic and ethnic

identity predictors of procrastination. An analysis of variance indicated significant ethnic

(Kanak and Polynesian adolescents had higher procrastination than European

adolescents) and sex differences (girls had higher procrastination than boys), but no

significant interaction. Regression analysis showed that higher procrastination was

significantly associated with sex, ethnicity, age, and the interaction between ethnicity and

ethnic identity. Moderation analysis showed that ethnic identity moderated the

relationship between ethnicity and procrastination, but only in Kanak adolescents.

Another research conducted by Beutel (2016) intended to examine whether the

relationship between university students’ striving to avoid inferiority (SAI) and

procrastination was serially mediated by stress and self-control. The results of structural

equation modeling revealed that SAI positively predicted stress, stress negatively

predicted self-control, and self-control negatively predicted procrastination. SAI did not

directly predict procrastination. Cross sectional survey design was used. The results of

bootstrapping analyses supported the hypotheses that the effect of stress on

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procrastination was mediated by self-control, the effect of SAI on self-control was

mediated by stress, and more importantly, the effect of SAI on procrastination was

serially mediated by stress and self-control.

Indigenous research:

The research conducted by Abdullah (2017) is to investigate the relationship

between procrastination and mental health with regarding the variables of gender and

developmental stage among a sample children and adolescents. The results of the study

revealed that there was significant differences between males and females in

procrastination (males were higher than female), and between children and adolescents

(among adolescents higher than among children). On the other hand, there was no

significant correlation between procrastination and awareness and acceptance of one’s

self and others, courage, personal and social adjustment, while there was negative

significant correlation between procrastination and trusts in one’s self and others,

freedom of winless , perception of reality and objects, love of the self/ others, and

straightness.

This research conducted by Ahmer and Tanzil (2018) to determine the frequency

and intensity of Internet Addiction (IA) among medical undergraduates, using Social

Networking Sites (SNS), in Karachi. Cross-sectional survey was used in this research.

Data was analyzed using SPSS 16.0 version. Internet Addiction (IA) was found in 85%

(n=289) of all study participants. Among them, 65.6% (n=223) were ‘minimally

addicted’, 18.5% (n=63) were ‘moderately addicted’, whereas 0.9% (n=3) were found to

be ‘severely addicted’. Burden of IA was relatively higher among female medical

students as compared to male medical students (p=0.02). There was no significant

difference between type of medical college attended and IA (p=0.45). However,

 24

statistically significant differences were observed in certain behavioral patterns among

addicted and non-addicted medical students.

The research conducted by Mahmood and Jafree (2022). to assessed the

relationships among social media use (hours, racial intergroup contact, and racial justice

civic engagement), individual and vicarious social media discrimination (defined as

personally directed versus observing discrimination directed at others), and mental health

among 115 black, 112 East/Southeast Asian, 79 Indigenous, and 101 Latin adolescents

(N = 407, 82.31% female, aged 15–18 years, M = 16.47, SD = 0.93). Alternative SEM

models indicate that exposure to individual and vicarious social media racial

discrimination increased depressive symptoms and drug use problems among youth of

color, further increasing their social media use frequency and racial justice civic

publication. This findings make strategies to mitigate the effects of social media racial

discrimination in ways that support adolescents’ racial justice civic engagement and

mental health.

Another research conducted by Aziz et al. (2019) intended to examine the

outcome of active and passive procrastination among Pakistani educated adolescent via

online data collection. To meet the objective measure concerning active passive

procrastination and anxiety, depression stress and life satisfaction. Cross sectional

research was used in this research. There were significant negative correlation between

active procrastination, depression and stress. However a positive relationship was found

between passive procrastination

The research conducted by Firdaus, Aziz, Akhtar and Sunny (2020) is used to

explored the health related procrastinatory behaviours; sleep quality and mental

wellbeing of young and old people. Cross sectional study and used purposive sampling

approach for data collection. SPSS 22.0 version. Was used in this research. Findings
 25

showed sound psychometric properties of Urdu versions of HRPM and PSQI. Results

revealed that those who show higher level of health related procrastination have poor

sleep quality and low mental wellbeing.

Rationale:

The effect of social media addiction and internet addiction on depression, anxiety

and negative emotions have been investigated the researchers ( Haand & Shuwang

2020). They also research the relationship of social media addiction with negative

emotion and sleep quality (Sümen & Evgin 2021). Procrastination is associated with

subsequent mental health problems, disabling pain, unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, and

worse psychosocial health factors (Koehler & Parrell 2020). These researches are not

belonging and related with our culture. In our culture researcher investigate the intensity

of internet addiction among students (Ahmer & Tanzil, 2018). In our culture researchers

had not study both variables together as to the available data. The aim of the present

study was to fill this gap.

Objectives:

The objectives of the following are:

 To explore the relationship between social media addiction, procrastination and mental

health in young adults.

 To explore the difference in male and female adults on social media addiction,

procrastination and mental health.

 To explore that social media addiction and procrastination are predictors of mental

health.
 26

Hypotheses

The hypothesis of the present study were explained below:

 There will likely to be hypothesized significant relationship between social media

addiction and procrastination with mental health in young adults.

 There will likely to be hypothesized that social media addiction and procrastination is a

significant predictor of poor mental health in young adults.

 There will likely to be hypothesized that male and female adults are likely to

significantly differentiate on social media addiction, procrastination and mental health.

 27

Chapter III

Method

The aim of the study will to find out the association between social media addiction,

procrastination and mental health in young adults.

3.1. Research Design

Correlational research design was used to study social media addiction, procrastination

and mental health in young adults.

3.2. Sampling Strategy

Random sampling strategy was used to recruit the sample.

3.3. Sample

A sample of 200 young adults was recruited. The age of young adults ranged from 18 to

25(WHO; 18-25).

3.3.1. Inclusion Criteria..

 Age range of participants 18-25 will be include

 Students of public and para sectoral colleges will be include.

 Students of public and private universities will be include.

 Students of BS hons, masters, and Phd will be include.

3.3.2. Exclusion Criteria

 The participants with matriculation degree will be excluded

 Participants from academies should will be excluded.

 28

 Individuals who are seeking any form of psychological services will be excluded because

they experience many other specifications as they are on medication.

 Individuals who are seeking any form of psychological services will be excluded because

they experience many other specifications as they are on medication.

 Participants from academies should will be excluded.

3.4. Operational definition

Researches defines his or her variable. These study defined variables as:

3.4.1. Social media addiction

The behavioral addiction psychological model was based on six primary criteria: salience

mood modification, tolerance, withdrawl, relapse and conflict. Any behavior that fulfils the six

criteria mentioned above can be operationally defined as an addiction (Griffth 2014, &

Shahnawaz 2020).

3.4.2. Procrastination

Procrastination defined as a prevalent and pernicious form of self regulatory failure that

is not entirely understood. It is defined as unnecessarily postponing or avoiding tasks that must

be completed (Lay, 2019).

Procrastination as a temporal gap between intended behavior and enacted behavior. That

is, procrastination is occurring when there’s a significant time period between when people

intend to do a job and when they actually do it. It’s estimated that about 15-20 percent of the

general population are procrastinators (Lodha et al, 2019).

 29

3.4.3. Mental Health

The PROMIS Global Health instrument consists of ten global health is recoded to five

categories. One item uses a response that range from 0-10. Global items allow respondents to

weigh together different aspects of health to arrive at a “bottom-line” indicator of their health.

3.5. Assessment Measures

Assessment measures used to collect data will be demographic variable sheet, Social

Networking Addiction Scale (SNAS), General Procrastination Scale (GPS), PROMISE Global

Mental Health Scale, The details of them are given below:

3.5.1. Demographic Variable Sheet

Demographic variable sheet include age, gender, education, birth order, number of

siblings, religion, living background, family system, number of family members, family monthly

income, father’s education, mother’s education and mother’s occupation.

3.5.2. Social Networking Addiction Scale

The scale was presented by Shahnawaz and Rehman (2020), consisting of 21 items on a

7-degree Likert scale to assess the extent to which individuals suffer from social network

addiction. The score can range from 21 to 147. Any score above a total of 84 signes addiction

with three levels of diagnosis, mild, moderate, and severe; such levels might be affected by

different cultural and contextual variables; accordingly, factorial analysis of the scale is essential

to detect and assess such variables (Griffths, 2005; Shahnawaz, 2020; Kiouas, 2021). The

Cronbach alpha coefficient of this scale is 0.93.

 30

3.5.3. General Procrastination Scale

Procrastination was measured by General Procrastination Scale (GPS). The final scale

has 23 items, measuring, academic, workplace, medical and civic responsibilities related

procrastination. All items are required to be rated on a 5 point Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5.

Scores (Procrastination Quotient) of each item are calculated according to the following order: 1

= Never 2 = Rarely 3 Sometimes 4 = Often 5 = Always. Items 5, 8, 12, 16, 18, 21 and 23 were

reversed scored. Scores are obtained as a sum of response to each item and they range from 23 to

115. A higher sum of scores obtained on all items indicates higher level of procrastination for the

individual test taker. The Cronbach alpha coefficient of this scale is 0.714.

3.5.4. PROMIS global mental health scale

The PROMIS Global Health instrument consists of ten global health items that represent

five core PROMIS domains (physical function, pain, fatigue, emotional distress, social health).

Four items are used to assess global physical health. Three of these are administered using five-

category response scales, and one item (rating of pain on average) uses a response scale of 0–10

that is recoded to five categories (0 = 1; 1-3 = 2; 4-6 = 3; 7-9 = 4; 10 = 5)

Global health items assess overall health. Global items allow respondents to weigh

together different aspects of health to arrive at a “bottom-line” indicator of their health. Four-

item global physical health (GPH-4) and global mental health (GMH-4) scales were developed in

PROMIS that had internal consistency reliability coefficients of 0.79 and 0.86, respectively.

3.6. Procedure

First of all, research proposal approved from research supervisor. After this approval,

permission were taken from authors for the use of these scales. Maintaining all ethical
 31

consideration the researcher firstly decide that data will be collect by going to different

universities from the students. Consent forms will be filled by the participants. A general

overview for the purpose of this research will briefly described to the participants. Instructions

regarding the questionnaires will also provide to the participants and they will be informed that

confidentiality will be maintained. Participants will being informed about ethical rights if they

want to withdraw at any time during participation. After the data collection, the data will entered

in SPSS and will analyzed according to the hypothesis and analysis.

3.7. Proposed Statistical analysis

Following are the proposed statistical analysis

 Descriptive statistics will be applied to find out the frequency distribution.

 Person correlation will be applied to find out relationship between social media

addiction and procrastination and mental health in young adults.

 Independent sample t test will be used to find out the difference between two groups.

 Regression analysis will be used for prediction of relationship between social media

addiction and procrastination with mental health.

3.8. Ethical Considerations

 To initiate the study, the permission for using scale will taken from the Authors.

 Informed consent was taken from the participants and will be assured that the

information obtained from them will be kept confidential.

 32

 Participants will informed that they may withdraw from the participation at any time they

want.

 It will make assured to the participants that anonymity of all the participants will be

maintain.

 Proper instructions regarding the assessment measures will given to the participants.
 33

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