Examining Relationship between Attitude towards Social Media Apps Usage and Loneliness among University Students: Self-Control as Moderator

Abstract

With the rise of digital connectivity, social media applications have become deeply integrated into the daily lives of university students. While these platforms offer opportunities for communication and entertainment, they also raise concerns about mental health, particularly loneliness. This study explored the relationship between attitudes toward social media apps usage and loneliness, with self-control examined as a moderating variable. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 387 university students (Male = 192; Female = 195) from Rawalpindi and Islamabad, using convenience sampling. Participants completed the Social Media Attitude Scale (SMAS), Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS). Statistical analyses, including correlation analysis, hierarchical multiple regression, and moderation analysis using PROCESS Macro (Model 1), were conducted via SPSS (v23). Results indicated a significant positive relationship between attitude towards social media usage and loneliness. Furthermore, self-control was negatively associated with both variables and did not moderate the relationship between attitude toward social media and loneliness. These findings underscore the importance of fostering digital literacy and self-regulatory behaviors to mitigate the adverse emotional outcomes of social media use in university populations. Interventions aimed at enhancing self-control may reduce the risk of loneliness and promote psychological well-being among students.