| Based on uses and gratifications theory and motivation theory, this study examined how college students' intrinsic and extrinsic motivations of social media use are associated with their social media addiction levels. In addition, social media addiction among different demographic groups were investigated. An online survey was conducted with 220 undergraduate students enrolled in a large, public university in the Midwest. The results showed that both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation factors are correlated with college students' social media addiction levels. Specifically, better connecting with others and facilitating interactions with family and friends were the extrinsic motivation factors significantly associated with social media addiction levels. Significant intrinsic motivation factors included killing idle time, finding entertainment, getting away from pressures or responsibilities, and relaxing. The results further indicated that the intrinsic motivation factors are more strongly correlated with college students' social media addiction than the extrinsic motivation factors. When it comes to social media addiction levels among different demographic groups, the study found that female students showed a higher level of social media addiction than male students. The present study contributes to enhancing our understandings of social media use and addiction among college students. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed. |
