Social networks and mobile applications: use, abuse and addiction

The overwhelming popularity of Social Networks and mobile applications is a widespread phenomenon that has undeniable educational implications. In fact, they have become almost indispensable tools in the lives of people. And it is precisely in this unquestionable and disturbing reality where we have found the justification to perform this work, whose objective is to know the relationship that people have with Social Networks and mobile applications –emphasizing WhatsApp– which could pass from a simple use to a manifest abuse and, even, addiction to them. It is intended to inquire the use made of these tools and the negative consequences that can result when an abusive use appears. Thus, in addition to the potential deterioration of the interpersonal relationships, the social skills and the communication capacity, we have investigated possible problems of control and loss of intimacy that may arise, especially around the couple, and can be the first steps in gender violence. For that, we have used a quantitative empirical-analytical methodology. The measurement instrument used is an a d h o c questionnaire, prepared by the authors, consisting of 56 items, which was applied to a sample of n =226 individuals. The obtained results allow us to conclude that the use of these tools is massive, as well as the general frequency with which they are used, what supposes a certain limitation in the life of the people, specifically complicating aspects of their social life, being able to effectively involve added problems, such as the risky use of the control possibilities presented by such tools