Impact of social media among women in a rural community, South Kerala, India – a community based cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Social media has emerged as an influential virtual space revolutionizing the digital world across diverse settings. It enables women to bypass traditional, cultural and mobility barriers, it also potential risks such as cyber bullying and addiction. This study explored the impact of social media among rural women.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 289 women in a rural community in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala using a pre designed, pretested interviewer administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS. Variables were expressed in mean and percentages. Association between socio demographic variables with cyber bullying was analyzed and p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Median age was 31 years, demographic analysis showed 62.3% were graduates, 85.8% were married and 70.2% belonging to low socioeconomic strata. 83.8% of women had a special preference to the social media site Facebook. 55.7% believed that social media has boosted their self-concept but nearly 75% reported deception. 87% felt that children and spouses have been sidelined due to excessive usage consequently decreased productivity. Most women reacted by deleting their accounts. There was a strong association between low socioeconomic and poor educational statuses and chance of having a negative impact.

Conclusions: The digital revolution has enhanced access to information and self-development; however, its negative effects, particularly on family life and risk such as addiction and bullying needs greater attention to promote balanced and safe social media use.