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1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant across multiple, interrelated dimensions that are theoretical, practical, social, and policy-oriented in nature. The broad significance reflects the complexity of social media indulgence and its implications for the mental health and wellbeing of Nigerian youth.

Theoretical Significance: This study aims to make research on digital media more relevant by examining whether common Western-based theories, such as Social Comparison Theory and Uses and Gratifications Theory, explain social media experiences in the Nigerian context (Festinger 121). By testing these theories in a Global South setting, the study fills a gap in existing research and provides insights that may adjust or question their main ideas. In this way, the research helps develop more inclusive and locally relevant models for understanding how young people use social media and its impact on their wellbeing.

Practical Significance: The findings will offer evidence-based insights for mental health professionals in Nigeria, including counsellors, psychiatrists, and clinical psychologists, by showing how social media habits influence youth well-being. These insights can help improve assessment methods, counselling approaches, and intervention strategies. In particular, the study may guide the development of educational programmes, digital wellbeing initiatives, and culturally appropriate support strategies that reduce harmful social media use while maintaining its positive benefits.

Social Significance: At the societal level, the study has the potential to stimulate informed public discourse on digital wellbeing and youth mental health. By linking psychological outcomes to an everyday and widely normalised activity, the research may contribute to reducing stigma around mental health challenges among young people. Furthermore, it can empower youths, parents, and guardians with critical awareness and practical knowledge to support more mindful, balanced, and intentional engagement with social media platforms.

Policy Significance: From a policy perspective, the study will generate empirically grounded evidence relevant to key stakeholders such as the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The findings may inform the integration of digital citizenship, media literacy, and mental health awareness into national youth development strategies. Additionally, the study offers a basis for considering regulatory or advisory frameworks that address platform design practices which may exacerbate psychological vulnerability among young users.

1.7 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

Geographical Scope: The study will be conducted within Owerri, Imo state, selected for its semi-urban density, high internet penetration, and diverse youth demographics.

Demographic Scope: The focus is on Nigerian youths aged 18-35. This population demographic encompasses university students, young professionals, and unemployed graduates who make up the highest percentage of active social media users in Nigeria.

Platform Scope: The study will cover all social media channels such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook, including messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat) and others which are predominant in Nigeria.

Delimitations: The study author acknowledges that mental health is multifactorial. While this study focuses intensely on social media as a key variable, it does not claim it is the sole determinant. It primarily relies on self-reported data, which, while valuable for capturing perceptions, is supplemented by behavioural measures where possible. The cross-sectional study therefore captures a snapshot in time rather than longitudinal changes.

1.8 Justification of the Study

This study is timely because social media use among Nigerian youths has grown rapidly, yet there is limited research on how it affects their well-being in local socio-cultural contexts. Understanding these dynamics is important for developing interventions that support positive digital engagement and mental health.

1.9 Definition of Key Terms/Concepts

Social Media Indulgence: Social media indulgence refers to intensive and emotionally invested use of social media that goes beyond casual or functional engagement. It includes frequent checking, strong attachment to online interactions, and difficulty disengaging, especially when use is linked to social approval, identity, or opportunity seeking.

Youth: In this study, youth refers to Nigerian individuals aged 18–35. This age group includes students, young professionals, and unemployed graduates who represent the most active social media users in Nigeria.

Wellbeing: Wellbeing refers to a person’s overall sense of emotional balance, life satisfaction, and ability to cope with daily demands. In this study, wellbeing is understood broadly and not limited to clinical conditions.

Digital Engagement: Digital engagement describes how individuals interact with social media platforms, including frequency of use, types of activities, emotional involvement, and the meanings attached to online participation.

Performance Hustle: Performance hustle refers to the pressure to remain constantly visible, productive, and successful on social media to signal progress, relevance, or economic potential, especially within contexts of limited offline opportunities.

6. Rational Tethering: Rational tethering describes the deliberate decision to stay connected to social media despite recognised negative effects, based on perceived social, economic, or informational benefits.

7. Socio-cultural Context: Socio-cultural context refers to the social norms, economic conditions, values, and everyday realities that shape how social media is used and understood within a specific society, in this case Nigeria.

8. Global South: Global South refers to regions characterised by developing economies and structural inequalities, including much of Africa. In this study, it is used to highlight differences in social media use compared to Western contexts.

Economic Precarity: This refers to a condition of financial insecurity marked by unstable income, limited job opportunities, and uncertainty about meeting basic needs. In the Nigerian context, it reflects widespread youth unemployment, underemployment, and reliance on informal or short-term work. This condition shapes how young people use social media, often turning digital platforms into tools for income generation, networking, and opportunity seeking rather than leisure alone.