The Impact of Social Media Addiction on Employee Performance Sleep Deprivation As a Mediator

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of Social Media Addiction (SMA) on Employee Performance (EP), with a particular focus on the mediating role of Sleep Deprivation (SD). Given the growing reliance on digital platforms in modern workplaces, the study aims to understand how excessive social media usage impairs sleep and, consequently, employee efficiency. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was used. Data were collected via structured questionnaires from 350 full-time employees across various sectors in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. Standardized scales were used to measure SMA, SD, and EP. Statistical techniques including Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and mediation analysis using SmartPLS were applied to test the hypotheses. Results confirm that SMA has a significant negative impact on employee performance. SMA also has a positive relationship with sleep deprivation, which in turn negatively affects EP. Crucially, SD was found to partially mediate the relationship between SMA and EP, indicating that while sleep loss explains a substantial portion of productivity decline, other factors such as attention fragmentation and emotional exhaustion may also be involved. The findings have implications for HR policies, digital wellness programs, and workplace productivity management. Employers are encouraged to implement guidelines for healthy digital behavior and promote sleep hygiene through wellness initiatives. This is one of the few empirical studies to explore the mediating effect of sleep deprivation in the relationship between SMA and EP, particularly in the context of a developing country. The research contributes to both academic literature and organizational practices concerning digital addiction and employee well-being.