Background: Social media has become an integral part of daily life, influencing how adults communicate, seek information, and construct identities. However, there is growing concern about its psychological effects, especially regarding anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and sleep patterns. While substantial research has focused on adolescents, the impact of social media on adults' mental health remains under-explored. Objective: This study aims to address this gap by examining the psychological effects of social media use among adults, with particular attention to how different usage patterns—active engagement versus passive consumption—affect mental well-being. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 188 adult participants. Data were collected through an online questionnaire that assessed demographics, social media usage patterns, and psychological well-being (including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and sleep disruption). Regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes, controlling for demographic variables. Findings: The study found that while the amount of time spent on social media did not significantly affect anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or sleep disruption, social comparison was significantly associated with higher anxiety and depressive symptoms. FoMO also showed a trend toward increased anxiety, though not statistically significant. Additionally, passive social media consumption was linked to lower self-esteem, and both age and employment status were positively correlated with self-esteem. There were no significant relationships between social media use and sleep disruption. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of understanding engagement patterns and internal psychological processes in the context of social media use. Future interventions should consider digital behavior patterns, promoting balanced engagement and mitigating the negative effects of comparison and FoMO. Further longitudinal studies are needed to establish causal relationships and explore long-term effects.

Social media has become an essential component of modern communication, allowing people and organizations to immediately contact a large audience. In Bangladesh, where Islam is the most practiced religion, social media platforms have grown to be effective resources for promoting Da'wah (inviting people to Islam) and distributing Islamic information. This study explores the positive and negative effects of social media on spreading Da'wah and Islamic knowledge in Bangladesh. A qualitative approach has been followed to conduct this study. Data have been collected through document analysis. According to the findings, the positive impacts of social media in spreading Da’wah and Islamic knowledge are: spreading the Holy Quran, Sunnah, and many Islamic apps, showing the true face of Islam, the ease of spreading Da’wah, sharing authentic knowledge, etc., and the negative impacts are: false news is generated and spread through social media, lack of authenticity and verification, misinformation and misinterpretation, spread of extremist views etc. This study will be helpful for young generation to use the social media for the purpose of goodness so that they can attain success in here and hereafter. IIUC Studies, Vol.-21, Issue-1, Dec. 2024, pp. 149-168

Impact of Social Media Marketing on Traditional Marketing

Russia, after all her humiliation, will rise again in some new form, and we shall have very seriously to count her in later stages of European history. Perhaps we shall have to part with Russia as a fighting ally, but if on our side the parting is friendly and warmly sympathetic, if we can show the Russian people that we understand their insuperable difficulties and that for the sake of the great battles we have fought together and for the sake of the great sacrifices we have all made in the common cause we are prepared to continue our moral support, then the greatest trial of the war will not be an unmitigated loss. 1

ABSTRACT This study focuses on examining the effects of e-learning methods on the observational learning of students with learning disabilities. As children are increasingly exposed to various forms of media, it is essential to analyze how this exposure influences their behavior and learning outcomes. The study’s objective is to assess the observational learning of students with learning disabilities using social media and widely available e-learning materials across various platforms, particularly in conjunction with a Tutoring System. Additionally, the study seeks to identify the differences in observational learning outcomes between students with and without learning disabilities. Nineteen learners, both with and without learning disabilities, with an average age of 15.9 years, participated in this study. Their responses were observed and recorded through a questionnaire framework and in-person interviews. The experimental findings reveal the significant impact of social media on the behavior and learning of the participants. The results indicate that social media and general e-learning materials significantly influence children’s psychology and their observational learning processes. Furthermore, a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification was applied to categorize learner behavior based on social media usage. The study also highlights that the influence of observational learning on learning outcomes could be leveraged to improve assistive technologies. Key findings are discussed, emphasizing the implications of observational learning on the development of assistive technologies for students with learning disabilities.

Recent theory predicts that young people's emotional reactions are important in the impact of social media use on their mental health. Here we explore this using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data measuring social media use and emotion within the 2-week 'Decades-to-minutes' (D2M) study (n=255). Dynamic structural equation modelling (DSEM) was used to examine the within-person relations between social media use and negative emotion (and vice versa), as well as the relations between negative emotions following social media use (defined as the within-person cross-lagged effect of social media use on negative affect) and depression. Results suggested a significant concurrent relation between social media use and negative emotion but no significant association between social media use and later negative emotion, or vice versa. They also suggested no significant relation between negative emotion following social media use and depression but a significant relation between social media inertia (stability of social media use from timepoint to timepoint) and depression. Our study illustrates the feasibility of capturing emotional dynamics in relation to social media use 'in ecological context' and their relations to mental health risk. It suggests that patterns of social media use (e.g., sustained versus intermittent use over and above levels of engagement) merit further research attention in terms of their association with mental health. Recommendations for future research include using shorter inter-prompt intervals to capture more immediate emotional reactions to social media use, and the development of more comprehensive EMA measures of social media use.

The purpose of this study was twofold, first, to examine potential changes in young children's media use starting a year prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and 2 years following onset (between 2½ and 4½ years of child age). Second, to examine links between children's screen time and their emerging regulatory functioning as indexed by respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). Participants (N = 269, 48% female at Wave 3) were drawn from Waves 3 to 5 of Project Media Effects on Development from Infancy to Adulthood, a longitudinal study on the impact of early media use on children's development. Parents reported children's time using media across different medium (e.g., television, tablets, book reading, smartphones). At Waves 3 and 5, children's baseline RSA was recorded in their homes. Results revealed an increase in nearly all forms of media during the first year of COVID-19 pandemic (W4) and decreases during year 2 (W5) with some but not all forms of media returning to W3 levels. A growth mixture model found two distinct classes of participants primarily across measures of socioeconomic status (SES). Higher levels of screen time pre-COVID-19 pandemic were linked to lower RSA 2 years later, regardless of SES. Protective factors were observed for children from lower SES families, including if they had higher income relative to other class members. Findings are framed in the context of displacement and polyvagal theory, suggesting that higher levels of media consumption early in life may displace opportunities that support children's emerging regulatory systems. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

The impact of foreign media on political mobilization during the Arab Spring

Early exposure to digital devices and social media has been suggested as a relevant environmental factor that may influence neurocognitive maturation during childhood and adolescence. The limited scientific evidence available indicates that excessive and unregulated use could negatively affect multiple developmental domains, including language acquisition, executive functioning, attentional control, emotional regulation, and psychosocial outcomes. Although the current evidence does not allow for definitive claims of causality, the observed associations appear suggestive of potential links with these symptoms. In young children, prolonged screen time might be associated with language delays, impairments in working memory, and sleep disturbances. Among adolescents, compulsive use of social media may hyperactivate mesolimbic dopaminergic pathways, potentially reinforcing maladaptive reward-seeking behaviors and increasing vulnerability to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. These findings highlight the urgent need for evidence-based preventive strategies, parental mediation, and comprehensive public health interventions. While absolute certainty of causality is lacking, further investigation into these possible risks remains necessary.

Impact of social media use in static and dynamic functional network connectivity of social anxiety disorder

Digital traps: The compounding impact of BNPL and social media on consumer financial stress

As the impact of visual social media increases, the way consumers learn about the products and purchase decisions has evolved drastically. Particularly, Pinterest is the platform that is more inspired, planned, and curates ideas instead of being about the social interaction. In this research, the phenomenon in question can be seen as the influence of the Pinterest usage on the consumer purchasing behaviour through the analysis of such vital variables as trust, the perceived value, the social influence, user engagement, and brand image. The quantitative research design was followed, and the data was gathered regarding approximately 280 to 300 active users of Pinterest who are aged 18 to 35 years and are living in the urban regions in India by using a structured online survey. The proposed hypotheses were tested with the help of statistical methods, such as reliability testing and Pearson correlation analysis. The results indicate that consumer purchase behaviour is positively influenced significantly by all the five factors and the weight exerted by using Pinterest in a significant manner. The findings however also report that although, Pinterest has a good presence in the aspects of inspiration, and consideration; there are low purchases conversions. The research can be helpful to the brands and marketers that are eager to learn more about the impact of Pinterest on consumer decision making.

ABSTRACT This qualitative study examines the role of influencer marketing in political campaigns during Sri Lanka's 2024 presidential election, focusing on the impact of social media on voter perceptions and engagement. As political discourse increasingly shifts to digital platforms, influencers have emerged as central figures in shaping political narratives. The study adopted snowball sampling to collect data through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, involving 10 social media influencers and 50 voters. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: voter trust, voter engagement, the impact of influencers, ethical dilemmas, and the overall role of influencers. The findings suggest that influencers are viewed as credible and relatable sources of information, especially among younger voters who are more engaged with digital campaigns that effectively leveraged influencers, experienced improved visibility and a stronger connection with their target audience. The investigation also revealed challenges such as spreading misinformation and concerns regarding the authenticity of influencer endorsements. Participants emphasized the need for transparency in influencer partnerships to maintain trust in political messaging. Ultimately, this study provides valuable insights into the intersection of social media and political marketing, offering a foundation for future research on digital engagement in political contexts within Sri Lanka and beyond.

Among cancer patients, social media (SM) significantly influences the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population, serving as both an information source and a communication tool. In this multicenter study conducted across French cancer care institutions, we investigated the impact of SM on AYA patients' perception of their disease during treatment. Participants completed a 20-item self-administered questionnaire, and data were descriptively analyzed. A total of 108 patients (aged 18-29 years) were enrolled from 10 French centers over a 5-month period. For 59% (n = 64) of patients, time spent on SM increased after diagnosis, mainly due to boredom during treatment. Thirty-three percent (n = 36) shared their personal story on SM, which had a predominantly positive impact (providing support, relief, and meaning), although some experienced increased feelings of loneliness. Seventy percent (n = 76) searched for information about their disease on SM, which led to both positive (receiving answers) and negative (increased anxiety) effects. Notably, 43% (n = 33) of these patients did not verify the information with health care professionals. In this study, all AYA patients reported daily use of SM. Their engagement with SM is multifaceted, and health care providers must remain vigilant about potential negative consequences, such as misinformation, social isolation, and addiction. AYA cancer patients represent a unique population with specific psychosocial needs requiring tailored attention.

This research aims to question how the digital screens could affect the subtle aspects of face-to-face communication, specifically, empathy, prolonged eye contact and the art of listening to the speaker. By analyzing these variables systematically, the study attempts to shed light on the mechanisms in which electronic engagements can mitigate or reorient inter-personal communications. A quantitative survey of fifty subjects conducted in the cross-sectional setting and rigorously, has demonstrated statistically significant, negative correlations between daily screen-time and feeling uncomfortable during eye contact (ρ = −0.28, p = 0.046). A substantial waning of self-reported empathic ability was linked to a higher social-media use (ρ = −0.31, p = 0.034). Chi-square analysis also showed that participants who indicated that they spent (>4 h daily) a day on screens agreed that they faced significantly higher detriments to their interpersonal communicative efficacy. The results denotes that the overuse of digital devices should be viewed as a priority that not only kills the chances of meaningful and face-to-face communication but also negatively affects the execution of vital social skills. The research provides sufficient empirical evidence that adds to the current scholarly discussion of the psychological and social impact of digital media today.

This study explores the influence of social media on the political behaviour and decision-making processes of young individuals, particularly from Generation Z and Generation Alpha. As traditional media loses relevance, platforms such as Twitter (X), Instagram, and TikTok have become central tools for political information, engagement, and identity formation among youth. The research emphasises that social media is not only a space for democratic participation but also a medium where manipulation, disinformation, and ideological polarisation are increasingly prevalent. Far-right political movements in Europe have effectively used digital platforms to shape young voters’ attitudes through targeted content and emotionally charged narratives. The study also highlights the dual role of social media: while it enables political awareness and mobilisation, it also amplifies risks such as radicalisation and misinformation. The findings underline the transformative nature of digital political communication and suggest the need for critical digital literacy, policy oversight, and further empirical research to better understand how social media shapes political agency in the digital age, regulatory oversight, and further empirical research on youth political behaviour in online spaces.

The causes of new words and neologisms in the Uzbek language are examined in this article. New lexical items are a result of sociocultural shifts, globalization, and technological innovation. The study focuses on word construction techniques, borrowings, and the impact of mass media on language development.

The more critical area of study is the impact of social media marketing on customer behavior in an environment such as the Fashion Retail Industry, which specifically demands fast and competitive living. These find very profound purposes for the fashion industry in the digital age when increasing proportions of customer involvement have been taking place online. This research presents the effective ways of enticing consumers' engagement and attention so that fashion companies may shape the content of their marketing to connect with their influence much against their different target audiences. It highlights how consumer decision-making is interrelated with involvement on social media platforms, advertising, and the influence of the celebrities. In the case studies of Fashion Vibe, Trend Style, Style Sense, and Glamour Look, it showed the importance of authenticity, platform-specific strategies, influencer collaborations, and personalized storytelling. Keywords: Social Media Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Fashion Retail, Engagement, Digital Era, Case Study

Purpose Online social media platforms offer valuable, low-cost marketing tools for acquiring, retaining and growing customers for micro and small enterprises (MSEs). However, MSEs have been slow to adopt social media marketing as part of their traditional marketing strategy. The purpose of this study is (1) to examine the process of social media marketing adoption by MSEs in an emerging market using the Technology-Organization-Environment framework and (2) to investigate the impact of social media marketing adoption on MSEs' marketing outcomes and overall firm performance. Design/methodology/approach Data for the study (n = 1,472) were collected directly from a registered list of MSEs operating in the country. Structural equation modeling was used to test all relationships identified in the conceptual model. Findings Our findings indicate that MSEs' perceptions of technological, organizational and environmental factors positively influence their adoption and use of social media marketing. Moreover, the adoption of social media marketing by MSEs significantly enhances overall firm performance, including total sales volume, profits, market share and return on investment by improving marketing outcomes such as customer service quality, perceived product value, customer retention and the ability to attract new customers. Originality/value This study contributes to the evolving research streams on MSEs' adoption of social media marketing and the role of relationship marketing practices on market and financial performance. By integrating these two research streams, it provides insights into how MSEs can enhance relationship marketing and firm performance by leveraging technological, organizational and micro-environmental (market) factors, consistent with resource-based view theory. Managerial implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between social media marketing and consumer purchasing behavior among users of the Nana application in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It also sought to explore the extent to which this type of marketing influences purchase decisions and shapes consumer behavior. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach appropriate to the nature of the research. The study population consisted of a broad segment of Nana application users in Saudi Arabia. A convenience random sampling method was employed, resulting in a sample of 300 application users from several governorates. Data were collected using a questionnaire that was distributed electronically to ensure access to the largest possible number of respondents. Results: The findings revealed a statistically significant impact of social media marketing on the purchasing behavior of Nana application users. However, the results also indicated that advertising content on social media platforms was not sufficient to exert a strong influence on purchase decisions. Consumers placed greater emphasis on highlighting the practical benefits of the product, the clarity of information, and explanations of product usage, while paying comparatively less attention to the visual or promotional aspects of advertisements. Conclusion: The study concluded that adhering to ethical standards in promotional advertising is essential for enhancing brand loyalty. It also emphasized the importance of rationalizing the use of influencers and focusing on credibility and actual product experience to strengthen consumer trust and support purchasing decisions.