Addictive social media usage during covid-19 pandemic: a case study of southern Punjab, Pakistan

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of fear missing out, belongingness, and peer pressure on social media addiction to find out gender difference in addiction. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was designed collect data from 471 young adults through purposive sampling. The study conducted 28th January 2020 23rd May southern Punjab (Multan, Bahawalpur, Vehari Layyah) region Pakistan. An online consisting Fear scale, Belongingness Peer Addictive usage scale (ASMUS) shared with participants along informed consent. RESULTS: Out 273 (58%) were females 198, (42%) males. Mean age 19.91±2.23 years. is positively correlated belongingness (r =0.26; p<0.01). =0.11; p<0.05) whereas negatively (r=-0.15; have a significant (R2=0.04, has negative (R2 = 0.04, p<0.001). Males greater regard socialization (Mean ASMUS=16.04±4.98) information ASMUS=10.75±2.83) as compared females. CONCLUSION: significantly predict relationship There exists terms socialization.