From envy to social anxiety and rumination: How social media site addiction triggers task distraction amongst nurses

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the effect of social networking site addiction on task distraction among nurses.

Background: Most of the existing literature focuses only on positive aspects of social networking site, while negative aspects thereof have rarely been highlighted. The current study focuses on finding the impact of social networking site addiction and mental states like envy, social anxiety and rumination on task distraction among nurses.

Method: Data were collected through self-administrated questionnaires from 378 nurses in Pakistan. The study used descriptive and inferential statistics including correlation and structural equation modelling techniques to test the hypothesized model.

Results: The results suggest that social networking site addiction results in task distraction which is further enhanced by envy, social anxiety and rumination among nurses.

Conclusion: The study contends that social networking site addiction stimulates various stressors among nurses such as envy, social anxiety and rumination that augment its negative effects on task distraction.

Implications for nursing management: Findings of the study can be used develop strategies to control task distraction among nurses to limit its negative impact and to enhance work performance. Awareness campaigns can help nurses and other healthcare professionals to comprehend the effects of using social media at work.

Keywords: envy; nurses; rumination; social anxiety; social networking site addiction; task distraction.