Social Media Addiction Outpaces Alcohol, Nicotine, Study Finds

N

Nyakundi Report

Newsroom 1 min read

A study conducted by Daystar University students reveals that social media addiction may surpass dependencies on alcohol and nicotine, according to findings published in a research report.

The investigation, carried out in Nairobi between January 9-16, 2019, monitored 200 individuals aged 18-55 to assess their ability to resist common urges. Participants used mobile devices to complete 30-minute interval questionnaires, rating desires from 'strong' to 'irresistible.'

Researchers found that the urge to check social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook proved more difficult to resist than smoking, drinking, or even sexual activity. Conversely, participants demonstrated greater success in resisting impulses related to sports, spending, and sexual desires.

Next read

Did Wife's Secret Affair with Female Lover Lead to Edward Gichigo's Death?

31 July 2026 · 5 min read

Six years after Edward Gichigo died in what was first reported as a hit‑and‑run in Kitengela, his family is demanding a fresh...