Citation

Ahmad Zawawi, Siti Mazmi Niza and Bolong, Jusang and Adzharuddin, Nor Azura and Kuppusamy, Elillarasi (2025) Exploring loneliness and social media addiction: Key drivers of phubbing behaviour. SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research, 2025 (SI). pp. 133-148. ISSN 2672-7080

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Abstract

In an age where digital communication dominates, smartphones have transformed human interaction, blurring the lines between personal and professional lives and creating a paradox; while technology fosters connectivity, it may also diminish authentic human interactions. This has contributed to the rise of phubbing (phone snubbing), a problematic behaviour with adverse psychological and social consequences. This research explores the relationships between loneliness, social media addiction, and phubbing behaviour among young adults in Malaysia, utilising the Compensatory Internet Use Theory. A quantitative approach was employed, using an online survey questionnaire to gather data from 80 Malaysian respondents aged 18 to 40 with active social media accounts. Data analysis using SmartPLS 4 reveals significant negative relationships between both loneliness (path coefficient = –0.35, p = 0.007) and social media addiction (path coefficient = –0.313, p = 0.003) and phubbing. These findings suggest that higher levels of loneliness and social media addiction are associated with lower levels of phubbing, potentially due to lonely individuals prioritising direct social interactions and those with social media addiction withdrawing from social settings. The research offers insights into these complex relationships and emphasises the need for further investigation to inform interventions aimed at promoting healthier digital habits. © SEARCH Journal 2025.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Digital communication, loneliness, online interaction, Phubbing, social media addiction
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology > HV40-69 Social service. Social work. Charity organization and practice Including social case work, private and public relief, institutional care, rural social work, work relief
Divisions:	Faculty of Applied Communication (FAC)
Depositing User:	Ms Suzilawati Abu Samah
Date Deposited:	29 Jul 2025 02:38
Last Modified:	31 Jul 2025 09:31
URII:	http://shdl.mmu.edu.my/id/eprint/14344

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