The Impact of Social Media on Adolescents' Emotional Regulation
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Source of Publication
Proceedings of the 29th World Multi-Conference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics (WMSCI 2025)
Publication Date
9-9-2025
Abstract
This study explores the impact of social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok, on adolescents' emotional regulation in the UAE, with a focus on parental observations. Utilizing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the study combines survey data from 30 parents with in-depth interviews from five selected participants. The study examines the relationship between social media usage patterns, including daily screen time, and emotional regulation. Results indicate that social media provides adolescents with emotional fulfillment through entertainment, socializing, and stress management, but excessive use leads to emotional exhaustion, irritability, withdrawal, and disrupted sleep. The Social Learning Theory and Uses and Gratifications Theory frame the analysis, showing that adolescents model behaviors from influencers and seek gratification through social media. The study emphasizes the importance of mindful content consumption, the role of parents in regulating screen time, and the need for digital well-being programs to support healthy emotional development.
DOI Link
ISBN
[9781950492855]
ISSN
Publisher
International Institute of Informatics and Cybernetics
First Page
267
Last Page
272
Disciplines
Communication | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Keywords
Adolescents, Emotional regulation, Instagram, Parental observations, Social media, TikTok
Scopus ID
Recommended Citation
Al Memari, Mouza; Al Remeithi, Maytha; Al Zaabi, Ayesha; and Elsayary, Areej, "The Impact of Social Media on Adolescents' Emotional Regulation" (2025). All Works. 7708.
https://zuscholars.zu.ac.ae/works/7708
Indexed in Scopus
yes
Open Access
no