Abstract
Abstract:
Sleep is an essential aspect of overall health and well-being. There are various factors that can disrupt sleep, and one lesser-known factor is the excessive use of social media. The use of social media is on the rise globally, with approximately 4.8 billion people using it for different purposes such as staying connected, seeking information, and entertainment. Even in developing countries like Afghanistan, access to social media has increased in recent years, leading to many Afghan adults creating social media accounts. Unfortunately, excessive usage is more prevalent among adults in Afghanistan.
This survey conducted across 19 provinces in Afghanistan revealed that a majority of Afghan adults either border on addiction or have already crossed that line when it comes to their use of social media. Furthermore, three out of four participants admitted to feeling a strong urge to use social media frequently or occasionally. This excessive use of social media, particularly before bedtime, has had a significant impact on their sleep and mental well-being. In fact, 68% of participants identified social media as a problem for them.
The study also found a direct correlation between the duration of social media usage and sleep disturbances. The more someone uses social media, the more it affects their normal sleep patterns and quality. Consequently, individuals find it challenging to concentrate and focus on daily activities.
This study highlights the need for awareness regarding the negative effects of excessive social media usage. It calls upon mental health professionals, policymakers, and health organizations to address this issue and promote the mental well-being of individuals in Afghanistan.
Key words: MentalHealth, Socialmedia, sleep disturbance, Afghanistan, social media addiction