Social Networking Usage, Intimacy Related Self-Esteem, Depression and Preoccupation in Married Pakistani Youth

Abstract

This research looks into how social media affects sexual preoccupation and mental health. The impact of social media on sexual preoccupation and mental health, with an emphasis on young married individuals struggling with intimacy and commitment. Through a correlational design and validated psychometric tools, it has been shown that higher SNS usage is associated with elevated sexual preoccupation and depressive symptoms. This study specifically examined whether there's a link between social media addiction and sexual self-esteem. Interestingly, data were collected from 1051 participants through convenience sampling. Standardized tools, including the Sexuality Scale and the Social Networking Addiction Scale, were used to assess the constructs. Results revealed a weak and not significant correlation between the two. Social media addiction and sexual self-esteem, but significant positive correlations with sexual preoccupation and sexual depression. Additionally, sexual depression showed a strong positive correlation with sexual preoccupation. Regression analysis indicated that social media addiction significantly predicted sexual depression. These findings suggest that excessive social media use may be a contributing factor to sexual distress among married adults, particularly in the form of preoccupation and depression, though other factors likely play a role.

Keywords: Social media addiction, Sexual cognition, Sexual self-esteem, Sexual preoccupation, Sexual depression, Intimacy