Degree

BS (Social Sciences & Liberal Arts)

Faculty / School

School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS)

Department

Department of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts

Date of Award

Summer 2025

Date of Submission

2025-07-19

Advisor

Hajrah Rahman, Lecturer, Department of Social Sciences

Project Type

SSLA Culminating Experience

Access Type

Restricted Access

Keywords

Instagram usage, Academic stress, University students

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of Instagram usage on academic stress among undergraduate students in Karachi, Pakistan. With social media becoming a central part of student life, this research aims to understand how platform-specific engagement, particularly on Instagram, affects students’ academic experiences and emotional well-being. The study uses a quantitative research design, gathering data through online surveys from 100 university students across Karachi. Three standardized scales were used to measure Instagram addiction, self-esteem, and academic stress. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between higher Instagram use and elevated academic stress levels, as well as a negative correlation between self-esteem and academic stress. These findings align with existing literature that links social media usage to psychological distress, but also highlight Instagram’s unique impact due to its highly visual and socially comparative nature.

The study contributes to a growing body of research by offering a localized and platform-specific perspective, addressing the gap in South Asian scholarship on this topic. It also provides practical insights for educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers to help students navigate the pressures of academic life in a digital age. While the study is limited by its sample scope and reliance on self-reported data, it opens avenues for further research, especially in diverse institutional settings and with a broader focus on emotional and behavioral outcomes. Overall, the research underscores the importance of balanced social media use and informed interventions in promoting student well-being and academic success.

Pages

87

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