Exploring How Social Media Influence Risky Behaviors among Students at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran: The Role of Self-Control
Journal of Medical Library and Information Science,
Vol. 6 No. 6 (2025),
5 April 2025
https://doi.org/10.22037/jmlis.v6i.47145
Abstract
Introduction: The extensive use of social media has become a significant aspect of student life today. While engaging with social media can lead to an increased likelihood of high-risk behaviors, self-control might play a key role in moderating this relationship. This study aims to explore how social media usage impacts high-risk behaviors, focusing on the moderating influence of self-control among students at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study took place in 2024. The study’s statistical population comprised 6,145 students, from which 364 participants were chosen using Morgan's table and a stratified sampling method. The data collection involved standard questionnaires, including the Virtual Social Media Addiction questionnaire, the Iranian Youth Risk-Taking Scale, and the Tangney Self-Control Scale. The data analysis was performed using SPSS 24 and Smart PLS 3 software, employing correlation and path analysis tests.
Results: Among the 364 students who participated, 49.2% were female and 45.9% were male, with an average age of 25.18 years (±5.18). The majority were undergraduates (57.4%), followed by master’s students (22.8%) and general medicine students (8%). The average scores for social media use (2.81), risky behaviors such as unsafe driving (2.55), violence (2.34), smoking (2.55), and alcohol, drug, and psychotropic use (2.50), as well as suicidal tendencies (2.61) and unsafe sexual behavior (2.48), were all significantly below average (P < 0.001). There was a positive link between social media use and all these risky behaviors, including unsafe driving, violence, smoking, alcohol, drug, and psychotropic use, suicidal tendencies, and unsafe sexual practices (P < 0.05). However, self-control (average score of 2.85) significantly mitigated the impact of social media use on these risky behaviors (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Social media usage can heighten the chances of engaging in risky behaviors. However, bolstering self-control can lessen this impact. By strengthening self-control skills, we can effectively reduce risky behaviors among active social media students.
- Social media
- Risk-taking behaviors
- Self-control
- Students
How to Cite
References
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