Excessive Social Media Use and Its Relationship to Psychological Alienation among High School Students

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between excessive social media use and psychological alienation among high school students in Jordan, determine the levels of both variables, and identify statistically significant differences in estimates attributed to gender and academic track. To achieve these objectives, a descriptive correlational approach was adopted, and the study was conducted on a sample of (339) students. Data was collected using two scientific scales developed for this purpose: the "Excessive Social Media Use" scale, comprising three dimensions (Mental Preoccupation, Withdrawal and Anxiety, and Conflict and Deterioration of Relationships), and the "Psychological Alienation" scale, comprising three dimensions (Loss of Sense of Belonging, Loss of Purpose, and Powerlessness). Construct validity and reliability coefficients were verified for both scales. The results indicated that the level of excessive social media use among students was "moderate," while the level of psychological alienation was "high." Furthermore, the results revealed a positive, statistically significant correlation between excessive social media use and psychological alienation. Meanwhile, the two-way ANOVA results indicated no statistically significant differences in the levels of excessive social media use or psychological alienation attributed to gender or academic track. Based on these findings, the study recommends adopting school counseling programs designed to enhance students' psychological and social skills, raise their awareness regarding the risks of excessive social media use, mitigate feelings of alienation, and strengthen their connection to reality.