Exploring the Role of Social Media in Supporting Young Adults Facing Life Crises in Malaysia

Abstract

This study examines the influence of social media on young adults amid life crises, emphasising its effects on emotional well-being and coping strategies. A study with 303 participants was undertaken to evaluate their impressions of social media's efficacy in offering solutions, emotional support, and confidence during difficult periods. The primary variables investigated are performance expectancy, social influence, and hedonic motivation. The results indicate that a predominant portion of respondents (65.3%) were aged 18-22 years, with the majority (42.6%) dedicating over 5 hours everyday to social media, largely for pleasure and leisure purposes (41.9%). The results demonstrate moderate to high performance expectancy, as participants concurred that social media aids in problem-solving (mean = 3.39) and enhances their confidence in managing life transitions (mean = 3.49). Social influence significantly impacted mental well-being, with interactions from friends and family yielding a favourable contribution (mean = 4.13). Hedonic motivation emerged as the predominant factor influencing social media usage, with enjoyment and entertainment identified as the principal motivators (mean = 3.87). The results indicate that social media can serve as an effective instrument for navigating life crises when combined with tailored support networks and compelling content. Suggestions for mental health interventions involve integrating social media with therapeutic approaches.