The Impact of Social Media Usage on Neuroticism Personality Traits of Among College Students

Abstract

This study explores the intricate relationship between social media usage and neuroticism among college students aged 18 to 25. Neuroticism, characterized by emotional instability, anxiety, and heightened stress reactivity, was examined in the context of digital engagement patterns. Using a sample of 200 college students and standardized psychometric tools—the Social Media Usage Questionnaire (SMUQ) and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised (EPQ-R) Neuroticism Subscale—this quantitative research employed correlation, regression, and mediation analyses to assess how emotional instability, anxiety, and stress response mediate the relationship between social media usage and neuroticism. Findings revealed that increased time and emotional investment in social media were significantly associated with higher neuroticism scores. Individuals with high neuroticism exhibited greater validation-seeking behavior, fear of missing out (FoMO), compulsive checking, and emotional reactivity, especially in response to online feedback and idealized content. These results underscore the psychological vulnerability of neurotic individuals in digital environments and highlight the need for targeted interventions that promote mindful social media use and emotional resilience among youth. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on digital behavior, offering crucial insights for mental health professionals, educators, and platform designers.