PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS BEHIND STUDENTS’ MEDIA ADDICTION AND ITS EFFECTS ON EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

In Pakistan, this study examines the psychological factors contributing to students' media addiction, as well as the resulting impacts on student education. Using previous research, this investigation shows that rapid increases in the amount of digital media accessed by college and university students are closely associated with emotional dependency, social withdrawal, escapism and impulsivity; however, there is little research to date which has examined the relationship between these psychological factors and students’ academic performance within the context of Pakistan. This study addresses this shortage of research, establishing the study’s objectives and research questions as a way to identify the major psychological predictors of students' media addiction and determine how media addiction impacts a student’s academic success/achievement. The study also tests hypotheses regarding connections between emotional, behavioural and cognitive factors and a student’s level of educational engagement. A quantitative approach is adopted for this study, making use of a structured questionnaire distributed to a sample of students attending secondary and post-secondary institutions located within major cities throughout Pakistan. The data are examined using descriptive statistics, correlation matrices, regression models, visual representations of patterns related to students' levels of addiction and their effect on academic success through pie charts and frequency boxes. The research findings show that individuals who suffer from high levels of anxiety, social isolation, and impulsive behavior are highly likely to engage in excessive media consumption. Conversely, high media addiction rates in students correlate negatively with their engagement in and motivation toward education, their ability to focus while studying, and their success in the classroom due to increased procrastination. Therefore, researchers conclude that media addiction is a growing concern amongst psychologists and has demonstrable negative impacts on students' academic success in Pakistan. Researchers suggest that schools implement digital literacy programs and provide mental health support through consultation services, have adequate parent education resources, and create a balanced approach to sorting out the use of screens during both educational and leisurely activities. In addition, this study provides important information that helps guide educators, policymakers, and mental health professionals in treating students who struggle with addiction to digital media