The Effect of Social Media Addiction on General Procrastination in the General Population

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between social media addiction and general procrastination in the general population, using a quantitative, correlational research design. Data were collected through Google Forms, using two established scales: the Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS-AKPT) by Dr. K. Arunkumar and Dr. T. Premalatha, and the General Procrastination Scale (GPS) developed by Lodha et al. (2016). The sample consisted of 40 participants (20 males and 20 females), aged between 18 and 45 years, selected using a non-random convenience sampling method. Descriptive statistics revealed moderate levels of both social media addiction (Mean = 90.85, SD = 21.06) and procrastination (Mean = 58.63, SD = 12.96). A Pearson correlation analysis found a significant negative relationship (r = -0.677, p = 0.000) between social media addiction and procrastination, suggesting that increased social media use contributes to higher levels of procrastination. Gender differences were not significant, with males and females displaying similar levels of both addiction and procrastination. The study concludes that social media addiction significantly influences procrastination behaviours, particularly among younger individuals, highlighting the need for interventions to reduce social media use and improve time management skills.