The Relationship Between Social Media Use and Anxiety About Marriage Among Young Adults

The marriage is scary phenomenon that has spread across social media reflects growing worry about married life among young people. Social media exposes users to stories of marital conflict, infidelity, divorce, and domestic violence, which may shape how individuals in early adulthood view marriage. This study examined the relationship between social media use and marriage anxiety in early adulthood using a quantitative correlational design with purposive sampling. Data were collected through an online questionnaire from 130 participants aged 18 to 29 years who actively use social media. Social media use was measured with a 15-item scale, while marriage anxiety was measured with 15 items selected from the Indonesian adaptation of the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale. Pearson correlation analysis in JASP showed a positive and significant relationship between social media use and marriage anxiety, although the strength of the relationship was weak (r = 0.227; p = 0.009). At the aspect level, social media use was significantly related to restlessness, physiological reactions, and sleep disturbance, but not to general fearfulness. These findings indicate that social media use is one of several factors linked to marriage anxiety. The study implies the need for critical digital literacy and premarital psychological support for young adults.