Meaning in Life: A Protective Factor Against Problematic Social Media Use Among Ecuadorian University Students

• Melany Paulette Sanjinez-Quinde

  Universidad Técnica de Machala, Machala-Ecuador

  Author

• Jessenia Alexandra Quezada-Maldonado

  Universidad Técnica de Machala, Machala-Ecuador

  Author

• Mauricio Rodrigo Placencio-Loayza

  Universidad Técnica de Machala, Machala-Ecuador

  Author

• Yadira Liliana Sánchez-Padilla

  Universidad Técnica de Machala, Machala-Ecuador

  Author

The present study explores the problematic use of social networks (PSSU), defined as patterns of behaviour that exceed normal use, negatively impacting the physical, psychological and social health of the individual. The main objective was to determine the relationship between sense of life (SV) and UPRS in Ecuadorian university students aged 18 to 28 years or older, considering sociodemographic variables: gender and age. A quantitative, non-experimental, correlational and cross-sectional design was used, with a sample of 1,160 students. The Social Media Addiction Scale-Student Form (SMAS-SF) and the Purpose in Life Test (PIL) were used. Results revealed a slight negative correlation between SV and UPRS (= -.23), suggesting that higher levels of SV are associated with lower UPRS. No significant differences were found in SV by gender, however, a progressive increase with age was observed, reaching higher levels in the 28+ age group. These findings highlight SV as a possible protective factor against UPRS, an effect that
seems to become more pronounced with maturity. It is recommended to implement educational and psychological strategies aimed at promoting the development of SV to prevent problematic digital behaviours.

1. Melany Paulette Sanjinez-Quinde, Universidad Técnica de Machala, Machala-Ecuador

   Abogada; Licenciada en Psicología Clínica por la Universidad Técnica de Machala. https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3692-9236

2. Jessenia Alexandra Quezada-Maldonado, Universidad Técnica de Machala, Machala-Ecuador

   Licenciada en Psicología Clínica por la Universidad Técnica de Machala. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2995-9698

3. Mauricio Rodrigo Placencio-Loayza, Universidad Técnica de Machala, Machala-Ecuador

   Magister en Intervención Psicosocial; Master Universitario en Investigación en Psicología; Magister en Intervención Psicojurídica y Forense; Psicólogo Clínico. Docente en la Universidad Técnica de Machala. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0214-2349 

4. Yadira Liliana Sánchez-Padilla, Universidad Técnica de Machala, Machala-Ecuador

   Magister en Psicoterapia Integrativa; Master Universitario en Investigación en Psicología; Psicóloga Clínica. Docente en la Universidad Técnica de Machala. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8380-6434

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