Abstract:

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and level of social media addiction among nursing students in the Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was conducted on samples of 340 students at the Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University. Data were collected through demographic background information sheet and Social Networking Addiction Scale.
Results: All the students were addicted as 6.76% were severely addicted and 60.59% and 32.65% were moderately and mildly addicted, respectively. Significant relations were found between social media addiction and students' age (χ² = 11.331, P = 0.003), educational level (χ² = 20.239, P = 0.003), and grade point average (χ² = 19.378, P = 0.013).
Conclusion: Internet addiction was prevalent among all students but at different levels, so early screening of students for Internet addiction using the Internet Addiction Scale is important to provide early treatment and prevent hazards to health.

Key words: Internet addiction, nursing student, social media