Social Media Distraction and Addiction Among Medical Students: Prevalence and Effects
During Lectures at Merit University.
Authors:
1- Ahmed Abdelmonem
- Faculty of Medicine, Merit University, Sohag, Egypt
- Email: 231011677@[Link]
- ORCID: [Link]
2- Mohamed Hemdan
- Faculty of Medicine, Merit University, Sohag, Egypt
- Email:
- ORCID:
3- Mohamed Abdel-kareem
- Faculty of Medicine, Merit University, Sohag, Egypt
- Email: 231011656@[Link]
- ORCID: [Link]
Introduction:
Social media refers to internet-based platforms that enable individuals and communities to
exchange information, communicate, and disseminate ideas. These tools facilitate interaction
among users with shared interests for achieving common or individual goals. (1,2)
Social media use is widespread among students, particularly those in medical education, largely
due to the nature and demands of their academic training (18). According to various studies,
nearly 75% of students engage with at least one form of social networking platform. Among
these users, approximately 20% utilize these platforms for academic communication, learning
activities, and the enhancement of their knowledge. (1,3)
This engagement can lead to social media addiction (SMA). Social media addiction is defined as
the excessive use of and attention to social media without appropriate controls on the amount of
time spent online. Such addiction may negatively affect mental health, physical health,
interpersonal relationships and life satisfaction (10).
People with addiction often engage in use the internet excessively, ranging anywhere between 40
to 80 hours per week with individual sessions that could last up to 20 hours; however, the
duration of use alone is not a definitive indicator of internet addiction (17).
Interestingly, SMA is considered a subtype within the broader category of “internet addiction”.
Davis, however, avoided the term internet addiction and preferred the term "pathological internet
use," referring to "addiction" (19). So, what could be the pathological effect of SMA?
SMA exhibits mechanisms similar to substance addiction (11), producing both physical and
psychological dependency because of its impact on the brain. The act of scrolling and sharing
personal information on social networking platforms activates the same brain areas as taking
addictive drugs. The reward region of the brain influences both choices and emotions through its
chemical signaling pathways. When a person participates in gratifying activities or consumes
something addictive, dopamine levels rise due to the activation of dopamine-producing neurons
in the brain. Consequently, the brain receives a “reward” and associates the behavior or
substance with positive reinforcement (12).
Excessive social media use also exerts invisible and potentially harmful effects, including poor
sleep, a drop in academic performance, and unpleasant emotional outcomes including anxiety
and sadness (13). The impact of SMA shows a correlation between addiction and anxiety (14).
Anxiety affects multiple domains of daily functioning, with academic performance being
particularly vulnerable (15, 16).
Among medical students, social media use during classroom sessions has become increasingly
common and is recognized as a potential source of distraction (5,6). Distraction reflects a shift of
attention away from the intended task toward competing stimuli (4). External triggers such as
notifications often prompt immediate responses (7), while psychological factors such as the fear
of missing out (FOMO) further increase the urge to remain constantly connected, reinforcing
addictive patterns of use (8,9).
Although internet abuse is a crucial issue globally, there is no studies have explored the situation
at Merit University.
Aim:
To determine the prevalence of social media addiction and lecture-related distraction
among medical students at Merit University.
Secondary Objectives
Examine associations between SMA, lecture distraction, academic performance, sleep
quality, and mental health (depression and anxiety).
To identify predictors of high lecture distraction.
To explore students’ attitudes and perceptions regarding social media use during lectures.
Research Questions
What proportion of medical students meet criteria for social media addiction?
How common is distraction caused by social media during lectures?
Is social media addiction associated with increased odds of high distraction?
What demographic or behavioral factors predict problematic use?
Study Design
Analytical cross-sectional study using a structured, validated, self-administered questionnaire.
Study Setting
This study will be conducted at Faculty of Medicine, Merit University, Egypt, targeting
undergraduate students in all academic years (Year 1 – Year 5).
Target Population
Inclusion Criteria
Registered medical students at Merit University, aged ≥ 18, present during data
collection, who provide informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria
Students who don’t attend lectures in the semester sampled, decline participation, or have
incomplete questionnaires (>50% missing key items).
