| Summary: | The surge in social media usage has triggered Social Media Addiction (SMA), a behavioural epidemic that significantly undermines students' focus, productivity, sleep, causes depression, and mental health in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This issue, although significant, has not been adequately addressed within the current scope of Information Systems (IS) literature, particularly in devising effective strategies to mitigate its impacts. This study examines the excessive use of social media among HEIs students and investigates the deployment of IT-based technological interventions to manage SMA. To provide a structured approach to SMA management, this study integrates the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) with physical and IT-based control interventions. This integration pioneers a unique model by incorporating control intervention mechanisms constructs within the TPB framework, which traditionally focuses on behavioural intentions but lacks mechanisms for direct control of SMA behaviours. This study introduces a novel perspective to the IS field by integrating IT-based and physical control interventions into the TPB framework. It also explores how these interventions can significantly alter students’ social media engagement patterns. Using a quantitative methodology, the study distributed questionnaires across several Nigerian HEIs, obtaining 211 valid responses. Data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling- Partial Least Squares, confirming addiction level of SMA among students. Key findings from the study underscore the effectiveness of various control interventions such as Parental Control Apps, Digital Wellbeing Apps, and Digital Minimization Methods in reducing the adverse effects of SMA. These interventions not only demonstrate significant influence on students' actual behaviour but also highlight the critical roles of previous behaviour, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and intention in shaping SMA outcomes. This study extends the TPB framework by incorporating physical and technology-based solutions, thereby providing robust empirical evidence that contributes meaningfully to academic literature and practical applications. It also opens avenues for future research and offers a comprehensive strategy for stakeholders in curbing SMA in HEIs.
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