Technological Addiction and Narcissistic Traits Among Business, Medical, and Psychology Pupils: Implications and Policies

Technology has brought a positive revolution to the world; however, it also has disadvantages, such as addiction. This addiction not only causes mental health problems but is also linked to narcissistic traits, particularly among pupils engaged in problematic gaming and social media use. In Pakistan, such studies are limited; therefore, the present study evaluated technological addiction—operationalized as gaming addiction and social media addiction—and its relationship with narcissistic traits among business, medical, and psychology pupils. The study also examined mean differences across these groups. A cross-sectional correlational design with purposive sampling was employed to collect data from 225 pupils aged 18 to 30, enrolled in private and public universities in Karachi, Lahore, and Gujranwala. Three instruments were utilized: the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, the Gaming Addiction Scale for Adolescents (Shorter Version), and the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (Shorter Version). Results indicated a significant relationship between gaming addiction, social media addiction, and narcissistic traits. Furthermore, medical pupils scored significantly higher on narcissistic traits and social media addiction compared to business and psychology pupils, while no significant differences were found in gaming addiction. The study offers important implications, including the need for mental health awareness programs, a stronger role for educational institutions, and promoting limitations on the use of technological applications.