Mediating Effect of Self-Efficacy on Social Media Addiction, Appearance-Related Consciousness, and Social Physique Anxiety among Young Adults

Abstract

Across the world, social media usage has become a very common leisure activity; however, its excessive use may lead to its misuse or social media addiction. This abuse of social media in turn may affect one's self-efficacy; giving birth to several issues such as increased appearance-related consciousness and social physique anxiety. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to examine the direct and indirect relationship of social media addiction with appearance-related consciousness and social physique anxiety through self-efficacy as a mediator among young adults. A convenient sample of 200 young adults fulfilling the criteria of social media addiction was selected from different universities in Islamabad, Pakistan. To assess the study variables, Berger Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), Appearance-Related Social Media Consciousness (ASMC) scale, Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS), and Generalized Self Efficacy Scale (GSE) were used. The study concluded significant relationships between the study variables. Social media addiction was significantly and positively found to be related to both appearance-related consciousness and social physique anxiety. Moreover, Self-efficacy was negatively related to appearance-related consciousness and social physique anxiety. In addition, mediation analysis found that self-efficacy is not a significant mediator between social media addiction, appearance-related consciousness, and social physique anxiety. The findings of this study highlighted how addictive use of social media can increase serious issues among today's youth. Awareness programs regarding social media use should be conducted to mitigate such concerns.