Quantifying the Influence of Social Media on Desensitization and Empathy among Undergraduate Nursing Students, A Cross-sectional Study in Mardan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The widespread use of social media among nursing students has higher concerns about its impact on emotional well-being and vital professional capabilities, such as desensitization and empathy level. These points are critical in nurturing of current patient care quality and sustaining compassionate nursing practice. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between social media usage and levels of desensitization and empathy among undergraduate nursing students in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. The research pursues to find a shapes of social media consumption that may support to emotional disinterest and reduced empathetic interactions. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in Mardan KPK Pakistan using convenience sampling of 150 nursing students. The duration of this study was 4 months. Data were collected through a modified questionnaire assessing social media usage, empathy, and desensitization. Statistical analyses evaluated the correlations between these variables. Results: The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between high social media usage and increased desensitization, coupled with a notable decline in empathy levels. Students exposed to negative or distressing content on social media showed more noticeable reductions in empathetic responses. The results highlight the potential for social media to influence emotional engagement and sensitivity in professional settings. Conclusions: The study underscored the need for educational interventions within nursing programs to alleviate the belongings of unnecessary need for social media use. Participating in training on emotional intelligence and responsible social media consumption could improve empathy and reduce desensitization, eventually improving the quality of patient care brought by future nurses.