Social Media Addiction as a Predictor of Anger Outbursts in Young Adults: The Moderating Role of Impulsivity

Abstract

The present study examined social media addiction as a predictor of anger outbursts among young adults, with impulsivity investigated as a moderating variable. A quantitative cross-sectional correlational research design was employed. The sample comprised 200 university students (100 males and 100 females) aged 18-30 years recruited from public and private universities in Faisalabad through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), the Dimensions of Anger Reactions Scale-5 (DAR-5), the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), and a demographic information sheet. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 26 and PROCESS Macro Version 4.0 through descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlation, independent samples t-test, multiple regression, and moderation analysis. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between social media addiction and anger, as well as between impulsivity and anger. Social media addiction significantly predicted anger outbursts among young adults. Furthermore, impulsivity significantly moderated the relationship between social media addiction and anger, indicating that the association became stronger at higher levels of impulsivity. Significant gender differences were found in social media addiction and impulsivity, whereas no significant gender differences were observed in anger. The findings highlight the psychological risks associated with excessive social media use and emphasize the importance of addressing impulsivity and emotional regulation in interventions designed for young adults.