Examining the Mediating Role of Subjective Well-Being in the Relationship Between Smartphone Addiction, Social Media Intention, and Students’ School Engagement

Abstract

In the contemporary digital era, the pervasive impact of rapid technological advancements on human civilization, particularly among students, has prompted inquiries into its positive or negative implications. This research endeavours to scrutinize the mediating role of subjective wellbeing (SWB), encompassing facets such as life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect, in the nexus between smartphone addiction, social media intention, and student school engagement. The study was conducted across two educational institutions in Indonesia, namely Permata Indonesia Health Polytechnic and Yogyakarta Mercu Buana University, encompassing 204 students (93 male and 111 female), aged 20-30, actively participating in remote learning during the pandemic. Data were collected through an online survey employing a Likert scale measuring instrument encompassing smartphone addiction, social media intention, school engagement, life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect. Analysis of the data utilized path analysis and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with the SMARTPLS program. The findings reveal that all constituents of subjective wellbeing exert a direct and substantial influence on students' school engagement. Additionally, smartphone addiction manifests a significant impact on all components of subjective wellbeing, while social media intention significantly affects each element of subjective wellbeing. Furthermore, the study establishes a significant correlation between social media intention and students' school engagement. Notably, life satisfaction and positive affect within the realm of subjective wellbeing emerge as pivotal mediators in the association between smartphone addiction, social media intention, and students' school engagement. Intriguingly, no significant relationship was discerned between smartphone addiction and students' school engagement. The study posits a moderate categorization for the contributions of smartphone addiction, social media intention, and SWB in predicting students' school engagement. This research augments comprehension regarding the mediating role of subjective wellbeing concerning smartphone addiction and social media usage in shaping students' academic engagement. The implications underscore the necessity for fostering healthy smartphone and social media practices among college students to fortify their academic commitment and accomplishments.