Social Media Addiction and Healthy Life Habits: A Comparative Study of New York City - USA and Lahore - Pakistan

Abstract

Purpose: Developing comparative analysis between negative and positive health habits among young adults in wake of social media usage among youth in Lahore – Pakistan and New York, USA, is the core objective of this research. Different parameters applied on habits of young adults due to social media usage revealed excessive use of social media was resulting into negative effects on healthy habits of young adults in Pakistan, wherein social media was the least preference in USA. The purpose of the study was achieved to great extent.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employed in-depth interviews qualitative method to extract detailed opinions about the phenomenon under exploration. In-depth interview technique seemed the most appropriate method for qualitative studies for data collection.
 Findings: A massive gulf between social media consuming habits of Pakistani and Americans owing to multiple factors was established from this study. With the support of relevant stakeholders including cellular companies, prominent figures of society and Tech icons in USA has chalked out a comprehensive social-structural mechanism for wellbeing of the society at large particularly the young adults wherein the developing nations including Pakistan has least concern about this important component of social wellbeing.
 Implications/Originality/Value: The US citizens love to enjoy through physical activities i.e., plan weekends and other events and even they avoid using cell phones / social media while dinning collectively at restaurants. In Lahore, however, the youngsters have developed negative social media usage habits which are highly affecting their healthy lifestyle.