ABSTRACT:
Context of the study
The rapid advancement of digital technology has greatly impacted everyday life, especially how people communicate, build social relationships, and interact in workplaces. This transformation has given rise to concepts like digital dependency and nomophobia, which refers to the "Fear or anxiety of being without a Mobile phone /Smartphone." These Challenges raise important concerns about the impact on psychological well-being, particularly in certain area such as interpersonal relationships, social media use, work-life integration, and stress levels. The increasing reliance on digital technology has increasingly diminished the separation between personal and professional life leading to a increase in mental health issues.
Research objective
The study aimed to investigate the impact of social networking addiction and nomophobia on quality of life. It concentrates on their relationships with work-life balance, stress levels, interpersonal relationships, and general well-being, offering insights into ways to reduce the negative effects of excessive screen time.
Research methodology
A cross-sectional, ex post facto designed was used focusing on IT professionals aged 21 to 39, a demographic that is highly reliant/dependent on technology. Using purposive sampling, 200 participants (100 males and 100 females) were evaluated with standardized instrument, including the Nomophobia Scale by Yildirim & Correia, 2015, the General Health Questionnaire -12 GHQ- 12 by Goldberg 1972, the Social Media Networking Scale (SNAS) by M. G. Shahnawaz and Usama Rehman, 2020. Work Life Balance Scale by Hayman J , 2005, Interpersonal Relationships Questionnaire- Short Form ( FIAT-Q-SF) by Callaghan, 2014, and Perceived Stress Scale ( PSS) by Cohen S, et.al.,1983. Data were analysed by using SPSS 21, using Pearson correlation and t-test.
Key findings and practical implications.
The findings revealed significant correlations between nomophobia, quality of life, poor work- life balance, perceived stress and interpersonal relationships and negative outcomes in social media addiction. Participants with higher Nomophobia reported lower general and psychological well-being, strained relationships, and challenges in work-life integration.
Nomophobia significantly affects general well being, work-life balance, perceived stress and interpersonal relationships. Recommendations include time management, mindfulness, fostering interpersonal connections, and digital detoxification to promote mental resilience and a balanced digital lifestyle in an interconnected society.
Keywords: Nomophobia, General well-being, Interpersonal Relationships, Social Media Addiction, Work-life Balance, Digital Detox.
