Social Media Addiction among Generation Z Smartphone Users: A Moderating Role for Subjective Well-being

Purpose: This study aims to identify the factors that influence the social media behavior of Generation Z in the post-COVID era. A conceptual framework has now been constructed.Methodology: The purpose of the standardized questionnaire was to collect primary data from Generation Z university students employing a non-probability, purposive sampling method. 841 people completed the questionnaire. The SmartPLS-SEM4.0.9.9 program was used to analyze the study model.Results: It seems from the data that social stress, self-regulation, addictive smartphone use, and conduct related to social media use were important predictors of social media usage behavior. Furthermore, it was shown that the subjective well-being construct's moderation component lacked statistical significance.Research limitations: The study lacks more generalizability, as it only includes data from a limited sample of Generation Z individuals from Bangladesh, specifically those residing in the Dhaka region.Practical implications: By adding social stress and self-regulation, this study has advanced the body of current literature in addition to offering fresh perspectives and interpretations on how members of Generation Z use social media. In addition, this study aims to advance current understanding by categorizing key components that may promote the emergence of addictive behaviors associated with social media and smartphone use. Besides, by designing targeted lesson plans and interventions, the study's findings may help students become more self-reliant. Institutions that support social stress management and responsible technology use can assist students in striking a balance between their personal and academic life.Originality: This method will help to better understand how Gen Z uses social media and how addictive smartphone use and social media usage habits affect subjective well-being.Keywords: Generation Z; Social stress; Self-regulation; Addictive smartphone use; Social media usage behavior; Subjective well-beingAcknowledgements: The author receives the Jahangirnagar University research project aid FY 2023-2024 to complete this study. The author acknowledges the anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments and for all the support administrators provide in publishing procedures. The author also acknowledges the anonymous respondents who provided feedback on the questionnaire survey.DOI: https://doi.org/10.58869/EJABM10(2)/07