Abstract

The rapid amalgamation of social media into daily life has transformed how adolescents engage socially, presenting both opportunities and challenges for their mental well-being. The present study examines the relationship between social media usage, social disconnectedness, and social interaction anxiety among 150 adolescents in Trivandrum, Kerala. Findings reveal that a significant number of adolescents are moderate users of social media, spending approximately 2-3 hours daily across multiple platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Despite all-encompassing digital connectivity, many participants report moderate to high levels of social disconnectedness, indicative of feelings of lonesomeness and inadequate social support. Moreover, a substantial portion of adolescents also exhibit moderate to high social interaction anxiety, linked to their digital engagement patterns. Statistical analyses demonstrate positive correlations between social media use, social disconnectedness, and social interaction anxiety, emphasizing the impact of online interactions on adolescents’ social well-being. Gender differences in social disconnectedness are observed, with males reporting higher levels than females, possibly influenced by varying patterns of social media usage. These findings emphasize the need for precise interventions to foster healthier digital behaviours and mitigate adverse psychological outcomes among adolescents in the digital age. The findings also accentuate the dual nature of social media’s impact on adolescent social dynamics offering unparalleled connectivity while also potentially exacerbating feelings of isolation and anxiety. The study contributes to a scientific understanding of how digital technologies shape adolescent socialization processes and psychological health. Implications for intervention and policy include promoting balanced digital behaviours, enhancing digital literacy, and fostering supportive offline social environments to mitigate adverse psychological outcomes associated with excessive social media use.