Scrolling and Belonging: Behavioural Patterns of Social Media Use and Their Impact on Youth Subjective Well-Being

Xiyan Cao

University Utara Malaysia 06010 UUM Sintok, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia & Hengyang Normal University, 16, henghua road, linghu, zhuhui district, hengyang city, hunan province, China, 421002

Norsiah Abdul Hamid

University Utara Malaysia 06010 UUM Sintok, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia

Rohana Mijan

University Utara Malaysia 06010 UUM Sintok, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia

Abstract

This essay examines the ways in which social media use affects subjective well-being among younger individuals, with particular emphasis on the culture of passive scrolling and its implications for feelings of social connectedness. Although existing literature addresses the psychological consequences of social media engagement, most research emphasises overall usage patterns rather than specific behaviours such as non-interactive browsing. This paper seeks to address that gap by exploring how varying scrolling practices influence perceived belonging and general well-being in youth populations. A quantitative approach was adopted, using an online self-administered questionnaire targeted specifically at younger respondents. Measures related to the frequency and nature of social media engagement, perceived social support, and personal well-being were assessed through Likert-scale items. The dataset was processed using SPSS software, and statistical correlation, regression, and mediation analyses were applied to identify both direct and indirect associations between media use patterns and well-being indicators. Findings show that habitual passive scrolling correlates with diminished feelings of belonging, which in turn correspond with lower reported well-being. The study highlights the importance of encouraging more active and engaging forms of online interaction to support healthier social outcomes among youth. It concludes that meaningful social media engagement can contribute positively to subjective well-being by fostering online social capital, emotional stability, self-worth, and stronger senses of affiliation. Conversely, passive browsing and social comparison practices may lead to negative mental health outcomes, including heightened loneliness, depressive symptoms, and anxiety.

Social Media, Youth, Behavioural Pattern, Psychology, Scrolling