SOCIAL MEDIA USE, EMOTIONAL RESPONSIVENESS, AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING: A CROSS-GENERATIONAL STUDY IN THE INDIAN CONTEXT

Abstract

Social media has transformed interpersonal communication and emotional expression, raising concerns about its potential influence on emotional responsiveness and community well-being. While previous studies have frequently associated excessive social media use with emotional numbness and psychological distress, evidence remains inconsistent, particularly within the Indian context. The present study examined the relationship between social media use and emotional responsiveness while comparing emotional responsiveness across Generation Z and Generation X. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed with approximately 100 participants recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Social Media Use Scale (SMUS), the Perth Emotional Reactivity Scale–Short Form (PERS-S), and the Basic Empathy Scale (BES). Pearson's correlation and an independent samples t-test were used for statistical analysis. The findings revealed a weak, positive but statistically non-significant relationship between social media use and emotional responsiveness (r = .125, p = .223). Likewise, no significant generational differences in emotional responsiveness were observed between Generation Z and Generation X (t = 0.934, p = .353). These findings suggest that emotional responsiveness is influenced by multiple psychological, social, and community-level factors rather than social media exposure alone. The study contributes to the growing literature on digital well-being by emphasizing the importance of community awareness, emotional resilience, and responsible technology use. The findings have implications for community mental health promotion, digital literacy initiatives, and programmes that strengthen emotional well-being across generations, thereby supporting Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).