Title: Hooked Online: The Role of Peer Influence, Communication Styles, and Impulsivity in Driving Social Media Addiction among Undergraduates in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Yemisi Oluwatosin Oni
Adisa Bolaji Iyanda
Volume: 9
Issue: 7
Pages: 162-169
Publication Date: 2025/07/28
Abstract:
Social media addiction is increasingly prevalent among university students, posing risks to their academic, emotional, and social wellbeing. Anchored in Social Learning Theory, this study investigated the predictive influence of peer influence, communication styles, and impulsivity on social media addiction among undergraduate students in Southwest Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed, with 2,086 undergraduates selected from federal, state, and private universities using a multistage sampling technique. Validated instruments were used to collect data, and the analysis involved Pearson correlation and multiple regression. Results showed significant positive correlations between social media addiction and peer influence (r = .398), communication styles (r = .370), and impulsivity (r = .575). Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant joint effect, F(3, 2082) = 178.823, p < .001, with an adjusted Rē of .480, indicating that the three predictors explained 48.0% of the variance in social media addiction. Peer influence (? = .356) made the strongest relative contribution, followed by communication styles (? = .206) and impulsivity (? = .128). The study concludes that social and psychological factors significantly shape addictive social media behaviours and recommends peer-led interventions, communication training, and self-regulation support for students.