The Extent of Social Media Usage in Relation to Psychological Well-Being of Undergraduate Students at the University of Nairobi

Abstract

This study assessed the extent of social media usage among undergraduate students at the University of Nairobi. The study's primary goal was based on the Theory of Displaced Behaviour and Festinger's Social Comparison Theory. To begin, the study aimed to determine how widely social media is used among undergraduate students at the University of Nairobi. The target population included 13,869 students from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Using a survey approach and applying the Cochran formula, a sample of 136 students was selected. Data were collected through questionnaires and interview guides, utilising both qualitative and quantitative methods for analysis. The findings showed different patterns of social media usage among students, with some engaging sporadically while others displayed indications of excessive use. The study also revealed that social media use is high among undergraduate students, whose access was aided by very high internet access and the availability of smartphones for use by the students. The study concludes that there is a connection between social media use and the problem of psychological well-being, especially due to social media and smartphone addictions.