Social media disorder during community quarantine: A mixed methods study among rural young college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: This study sought to identify determinants of social media disorder (SMD) and describe the social media engagement among rural young (18 to 24 years old) college students during long periods of community quarantine due to COVID-19.

Methods: This mixed methods study draws from a sample of 500 students from rural Luzon, Philippines. Quantitative and qualitative data collection were done via online survey.

Results: Findings reveal that 24.2 % of the respondents have SMD. Students who are from below middle-income households, and are active on Tiktok have greater odds for SMD. Qualitative analysis of narratives of students with SMD (n = 121) reveal the beneficial and negative impacts of social media.

Conclusions: Results highlight how social position, and uses and gratifications of social media can facilitate development of SMD.

Keywords: Mental health; Problematic social media use; Rural health; Social media disorder; Tiktok; Youth.