The Digital Paradox: Screen Time and Life Satisfaction among Youth Adults

Abstract

The rapid expansion of social media applications has significantly transformed the daily lives of young people. Platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, and X have become integral components of communication, education, entertainment, and social interaction. Although these applications offer numerous advantages, excessive screen time and prolonged social media engagement have raised concerns regarding psychological well-being and life satisfaction. The present study investigated the impact of social media applications and screen time on life satisfaction among youth. A total sample of 60 participants comprising 30 boys and 30 girls was selected for the study. Life satisfaction was assessed using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) developed by Diener et al. (1985). Participants were categorized into low screen-time and high screen-time groups based on their average daily usage. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, and t-tests. Results revealed a significant relationship between screen time and life satisfaction. Youth with lower screen time demonstrated significantly higher life satisfaction scores than those with higher screen time. Gender differences in life satisfaction were found to be statistically non-significant. The findings indicate that excessive engagement with social media may negatively influence subjective well-being and overall life satisfaction. The study highlights the importance of promoting balanced digital habits and responsible use of social media applications among youth. Educational institutions, parents, and policymakers should develop awareness programs to encourage healthy technology use and improve psychological well-being.