THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE AND ANXIETY LEVELS AMONG FINAL- YEAR STUDENTS IN THE DIGITAL ERA AT SRIWIJAYA UNIVERSITY

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship between social media usage and anxiety levels among final-year students at Sriwijaya University in the digital era. As a global phenomenon, social media significantly impacts individual psychology, particularly students facing academic pressure and the transitional phase of emerging adulthood. Employing a quantitative approach with Pearson Product Moment correlation analysis, the findings reveal a significant positive correlation between social media usage and anxiety levels. The analysis is grounded in emerging adulthood developmental theory, social stress theory, and the concept of digital self-presentation. These findings underscore the critical importance of digital literacy and mental health management for students in the age of social media.