Social media use, time management and occupational balance among housewives: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Housewives often manage most domestic and emotional labor, which can limit meaningful activities and harm well-being. As social media becomes increasingly integrated into daily routines, it is important to consider its impact on time usage. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationships between social media use, time management, and occupational balance among housewives. Method: This cross-sectional study involved 150 housewives assessed via the Social Media Use Scale, Time Management Inventory, and Occupational Balance Questionnaire. Hierarchical linear regression was conducted to predict occupational balance, controlling for significant demographic covariates (income level and perceived time management). Results: Among demographic variables, only income level and perceived time management showed significant associations with occupational balance. A positive correlation was found between occupational balance and time management subscales. The final hierarchical model explained 23.2% of the variance. After controlling for covariates, both time management and social media use remained significant positive predictors, whereas income level was identified as a negative predictor. Conclusion: Encouraging effective time management and thoughtful social media use can help individuals achieve a healthy balance in their daily activities.