Association between Social Media Addiction, Aggression, and Self-Centeredness among Children in Peshawar

Abstract

Introduction: In the digital era, social media has become an integral part of daily life, particularly among children and adolescents. While these platforms offer opportunities for communication and learning, excessive and uncontrolled use has raised concerns regarding their potential adverse psychological and behavioral consequences. Social media addiction has emerged as a growing public health issue, with increasing evidence linking it to aggression, narcissistic tendencies, and emotional dysregulation among young users. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the association between social media addiction and (a) aggression and (b) self-centeredness among school-going children in Peshawar. Methods: A quantitative correlational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted using a mixed-methods framework. A total of 360 children aged 11–15 years were recruited from secondary schools in Peshawar using a stratified convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using the Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS), Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), and Narcissistic Personality Inventory for Children (NPIC). Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: Findings revealed a significant positive correlation between social media addiction and aggression (r = .46, p < .01) as well as self-centeredness (r = .41, p < .01). Higher levels of aggression were observed among children aged 11–14 years compared to those aged 14–15 years. Overall, 80% of participants demonstrated high social media addiction scores, 71% exhibited elevated aggression levels, and 74% showed prominent narcissistic traits among those with high social media addiction. Conclusion: The study highlights a strong association between excessive social media use and adverse behavioral traits in children. These findings underscore the urgent need for early screening, parental monitoring, and school-based interventions to promote healthier digital behaviors.

Keywords: Social media addiction, aggression, self-centeredness, narcissism, children, Peshawar