Social Media Addiction and Disordered Eating Behavior Among University Students: Appearance Based Rejection Sensitivity as Mediator

Abstract

Social media has become a necessary part of people's lives in the current era. However, compulsive use of social media could have severe consequences for the psychological and social health of users. The current research was carried out to study the relationship between social media addiction, appearance-based rejection sensitivity, and disordered eating behaviors among university students. Data was selected through non-probability convenience sampling, and a sample of 300 university students aged 18-30 years (M=21.34, SD= 5.86) was collected. The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Rejection Sensitivity Scale, and Disordered Eating Behavior Scale were used for assessment. Results indicated that there was a significant positive relationship between social media addiction, appearance-based rejection sensitivity, and disordered eating behavior in students. Also, rejection sensitivity acts as a mediator between social media and disordered eating behavior. The study found disordered eating behavior is more common in women than men. This research implies that social media can serve as a significant factor in appearance-based rejection sensitivity and eating disorders in students and young people. This study could create awareness about appropriate social media use and its consequences on students. It would also help in devising strategies that could prevent the damage it could have on the mental and physical health of students, particularly appearance comparisons and judgments, risk of depression, and appearance-based rejection sensitivities.