Social Media Addiction in Generation Z Consumers: Implications for Business and Marketing

Social media has become vital in Generation Z users' daily lives, as they are the most connected group through social media; however, studies have shown the negative side of using social media heavily, particularly loneliness. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the significant growth of social media use with Generation Z users, which has shown to cause negative psychological effects. This book explores the behaviors of Generation Z consumers on various social media platforms (including interaction with brands as well as persons) and, using results from a Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) analysis, explores the potential risks and causes of social media addiction in this generation. In particular, it offers an integrative model to help marketers understand social media addition and ways in which companies and associations can promote a more conscious use of social media by acknowledging that pathological use of social media has negative effects. This book isuseful for students, researchers, scholars interested in empirical research on consumer social media use and addiction.

Teresa Berenice Treviño Benavides is a Research Professor of Marketing at Universidad de Monterrey, Mexico. Her research focuses on online consumer behavior and digital marketing, specifically consumer–brand relationships on the internet; the motivations of different online segments, regarding social media; uses and gratifications relating to social media; electronic word-of-mouth; and the impact of online marketing strategies on consumers.

Ana Teresa Alcorta Castro, Sofia Alejandra Garza Marichalar, Mariamiranda Peña Cisneros, and Elena Catalina Baker Suárez have a marketing degree from Universidad de Monterrey, Mexico. Their research focus is on online consumer behavior and social media use and addiction.