University students around the world are increasingly struggling with the pull of social media, which can disrupt their studies, relationships and mental health. A major review reveals that excessive use of platforms like Instagram and Facebook often leads to anxiety, mood swings and neglected daily responsibilities. This issue highlights the urgent need to address social media addiction in young adults. The findings were published in the Journal of Public Health.
Researchers examined data from over 35,000 students across 51 studies to gauge the global prevalence of social media addiction. They found that 18.4 per cent of university students show signs of addiction, such as compulsive checking and ignoring real-life problems.
“As a UKCP accredited psychotherapist and trauma specialist, working at the intersection of mental health, neuroscience and digital behaviour, I often see that social media addiction and nicotine dependence share the same underlying mechanics. Both hook into the dopamine system in the brain. Every notification, like, message or alert becomes a tiny reward that the brain quickly learns to chase,” explains Tina Chummun.
The analysis underscores how these networks, meant for connection, can instead foster harmful habits. Asia reports the highest rates, with 22.8% of students affected, possibly due to high smartphone penetration and cultural pressures. In contrast, other regions like Europe and North America show lower but still concerning figures.
“There is also a strong neurobiological link between stress and compulsive checking. When someone feels overwhelmed, lonely or unsure, the sympathetic nervous system moves into a heightened state. Picking up the phone becomes a self soothing ritual. It is the modern equivalent of a cigarette break,” Chummun adds.
The study points out that addiction rates have risen over time, linked to the growing popularity of apps like TikTok and WhatsApp. Students spend hours daily on these sites, often at the expense of sleep and academic performance.
“This matters for mental health because constant phone checking keeps the brain in a state of micro arousal. Sleep becomes lighter. Focus becomes fractured. People lose the natural rest states the nervous system needs in order to regulate and repair. I work with many clients who say they feel exhausted yet wired, which is a sign that the body is stuck between wanting to rest and wanting to stay alert,” says Chummun.
Experts warn that without intervention, this could worsen mental health issues among the youth. Public health officials are calling for policies to curb social media addiction in universities, such as awareness campaigns and screen time limits. Educational institutions might introduce programmes to promote balanced use.
“Breaking the habit is difficult because it is not only psychological. It is biological and embedded in the nervous system. People are not weak or lacking discipline. Their brain has been trained to respond to constant digital stimulation. Recovery is possible, but it requires creating new rhythms that pull the body back toward calm. This might be tech free mornings, deep rest before bed, mindful breaks or reshaping the emotional triggers that drive the urge to reach for the phone in the first place,” Chummun concludes.
The review also notes that addiction affects interpersonal relationships, with users hiding their behaviours from friends and family. This secrecy can lead to isolation, compounding the problem. Addressing it early might prevent long-term effects on career and well-being. As social media evolves, so does the risk of addiction for university students globally. Ongoing research is essential to track trends and develop effective strategies. Universities and governments should collaborate to support affected individuals.
