Problematic Social Networking Sites Research Articles

The association between problematic social networking site use, dark triad traits, and emotion dysregulation

BackgroundSocial networking sites (SNSs) allow people to socially connect with each other, collaborate, and share information. However, problematic SNS use (PSNSU) may be associated with negative personality traits. The present study investigated the associations between PSNSU, dark triad personality traits, and emotion dysregulation.MethodIn the present study, 555 SNS users (Mage = 33.32 years, SD = 10.88) completed an online survey comprising measures of PSNSU, dark triad personality traits, and emotion dysregulation.ResultsBivariate correlations showed that PSNSU was significantly associated with dark triad traits as well as emotion dysregulation. Structural equation modelling (where the effect of the dark triad traits on PSNSU was mediated by emotion dysregulation) showed that 33.5% of the variance of PSNSU was explained by Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism.ConclusionThe findings provide suggestive evidence of why PSNSU may occur as a function of the presence of dark triad traits and emotion dysregulation. The study also highlighted the important role that emotion regulation plays in the association between dark triad traits and PSNSU.

Identifying the central symptoms of problematic social networking sites use through network analysis.

BackgroundProblematic social media use (PSMU) has received growing attention in the last fifteen years. Even though PSMU has been extensively studied, its internal structure is not fully understood. We used network analysis to evaluate which symptoms and associations between symptoms are most central to PSMU – as assessed by the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale-2 adapted for PSMU – among undergraduates.MethodNetwork analysis was applied to a large gender-balanced sample of undergraduates (n = 1344 participants; M = 51.9%; mean age = 22.50 ± 2.20 years).ResultsThe most central nodes in the network were the difficulty of controlling one’s own use of social media, the tendency to think obsessively about going online, the difficulties in resisting the urge to use social media and the preference for communicating with people online rather than face-to-face. This last element was strongly associated with a general preference for online social interactions and the feeling of being more comfortable online. The network was robust to stability and accuracy tests. The mean levels of symptoms and symptom centrality were not associated.ConclusionsDeficient self-regulation and preference for online communication were the most central symptoms of PSMU, suggesting that these symptoms should be prioritized in theoretical models of PSMU and could also serve as important treatment targets for PSMU interventions.

Cybervictimization, Offline Victimization, and Cyberbullying: The Mediating Role of the Problematic Use of Social Networking Sites in Boys and Girls

The aim of the present study was to examine the mediating role of the problematic social networking sites use (PSNSU) in the relationship between both cybervictimization and offline victimization and cyberbullying in boys and girls. The sample consisted of 2,011 adolescents (50.67% boys and 49.32% girls), aged between 12 and 18 years old (M = 14.17, SD = 1.47), enrolled in schools in Andalusia, Spain. To examine this objective, moderated mediation model of the PROCESS macro was used. The results showed that both cybervictimization and offline victimization are positively related to cyberbullying directly and indirectly through PSNSU. Moreover, it was observed that boys victimized both online and offline demonstrated a higher involvement in cyberbullying, whereas girls reported a higher PSNSU. However, the PSNSU mediating effect was not moderated by gender. Finally, the results and their practical implications are discussed.

Problematic social networking site use and associations with anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and resilience

BackgroundSocial networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram are now used frequently by millions of people worldwide. However, there are concerns of problematic social networking site use (PSNSU) and psychopathological symptoms that may be co-morbid with this behaviour. The present study investigated the interactions between PSNSU severity, time spent on SNSs, anxiety severity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) severity, and resilience levels. MethodA total of 458 SNS users (mean age = 32.35 years, SD = 10.44) completed an online survey consisting of measures assessing PSNSU severity, anxiety severity, ADHD severity, and resilience levels. ResultsBivariate correlations identified moderate positive correlations between PSNSU severity, time spent on SNSs, anxiety severity, and ADHD severity, and a negative correlation between PSNSU severity and resilience levels. The moderated regression analyses revealed that anxiety severity as well as the interaction of anxiety severity and resilience levels significantly explained 28.6% of the variance in PSNSU severity. The simple slopes analysis was calculated indicating the main effect of anxiety severity. Furthermore, ADHD severity was also a significant predictor of PSNSU severity, but there was no significant interaction effect with resilience levels. Additional analysis illustrated that both variables investigating psychopathological symptoms significantly interact in predicting PSNSU severity. There was no significant effect of the three-way interaction between anxiety severity, ADHD severity, and resilience levels. ConclusionThe study showed that anxiety severity and ADHD severity are risk factors in the development of PSNSU severity and resilience levels may have a preventive effect, which must be investigated in further studies.

The Predictive Utility of Reward-Based Motives Underlying Excessive and Problematic Social Networking Site Use.

Compulsive seeking of reward is a hallmark feature of drug addiction, but the role of reward is less well understood in behavioural addictions. The present study investigated the predictive utility of ten reward-based motives, which we identified in the literature, in explaining excessive and problematic use of social networking sites (SNSs). These motives were examined in a cross-sectional survey of 411 young adults, revealing that prolonged use and excessive checking were predicted by distinctly different motives. More frequent checking of SNSs was most closely associated with motives related to obtaining social rewards (impression management/social comparisons/fear of missing out) and the desire to find/consume enjoyable content. In contrast, the amount of time an individual spends on SNSs was predicted by the desire to engage in negative social interactions or to fulfil personal needs (self-expression/documentation of life events). Problematic SNS use was best explained by the motivation to obtain social rewards and to a lesser extent by enjoyment and negative social potency (e.g., trolling) motives. Our results highlight the importance of social reward in explaining excessive and problematic SNS use, suggesting that a focus on reducing the desire to obtain social reward (e.g., through likes, social comparisons, continual connection) may be most beneficial in tackling problematic SNS behaviours.

A systematic review of metacognitions in Internet Gaming Disorder and problematic Internet, smartphone and social networking sites use.

BackgroundThe use of new technologies is growing, and some authors have suggested that frequent use might hide a non‐chemical addiction (i.e., technological addiction). Over the last 5 years, several studies investigating the role of metacognitions in technological addictions have been published. We aim to provide the first systematic review focused on this topic, by updating the initial evidence highlighted by a previous systematic review on metacognitions across addictive behaviours (Hamonniere & Varescon, 2018).MethodsElectronic literature databases (Pubmed, PsychINFO, SCOPUS and Web of Science) were searched to identify studies that examined the relationship between metacognitions and four different technological addictions (Internet Gaming Disorder, IGD; problematic Internet use, PIU; problematic smartphone use, PSU; and problematic social networking sites use, PSNSU).ResultsWe found 13 empirical studies published between 2018 and 2021. Positive low to moderate cross‐sectional associations between the four technological addictions and both generic and specific metacognitions were found, in accordance with the metacognitive model of addictive behaviours. Positive beliefs about worry, negative beliefs about thoughts concerning uncontrollability and danger, beliefs about the need to control thoughts and a lack of cognitive confidence were associated with IGD, PIU, PSU and PSNSU.ConclusionsThe absence of longitudinal studies prevents us from providing definitive answers about the role of metacognitions in technological addictions. Despite this limitation, interventions that target metacognitions could be beneficial for people presenting with technological addictions.

Childhood emotional abuse and problematic social networking sites use in a sample of Italian adolescents: The mediating role of deficiencies in self-other differentiation and uncertain reflective functioning.

ObjectiveChildhood emotional abuse (CEA) is associated with various negative mental health outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the association between CEA and problematic social networking site (SNS) use in a sample of Italian adolescents.DesignUsing structural equation modeling, the study examined whether the relationship between CEA and problematic SNS use was sequentially mediated by self‐other differentiation and uncertain reflective functioning in 1308 Italian adolescents (628 males, age range 13–19 years).ResultsA history of CEA was positively associated with problematic SNS use. Furthermore, deficiencies in self‐other differentiation and uncertain reflective functioning partially mediated the relationship between CEA and problematic SNS use.ConclusionsThe present study provides additional insight into the psychological dynamics underpinning problematic SNS use among adolescents. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

The Effects of the Fear of Missing Out on People's Social Networking Sites Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Online Relational Closeness and Individuals' Online Communication Attitude.

Forced isolation induced by COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impacted individuals' well-being, reducing the opportunities for social encounters, consequently resulting in a greater use of social media in order to maintain social relationships. Although the range of friend-related activities appeared to be severely constrained during quarantine, the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) needs to be carefully examined, especially in relation to problematic social networking site use (PSNSU). Indeed, FoMO might enhance individuals' need to stay connected and communicate with other people, leading to PSNSU, in order to face the fear of being invisible in the world of social media in circumstances of physical isolation. The present study sought to evaluate the predictive role of FoMO on PSNSU during the COVID-19 pandemic, testing the mediating effect of online relational closeness and online communication attitude. A total of 487 Italian adults (59.3% women), aged between 18 and 70 years (mean age = 29.85 years; SD = 9.76), responded to an online survey during the period of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Italy. The survey included self-report measures assessing perceived FoMO, online communication attitude, relational closeness with online friends, and PSNSU. Participants declared they spent significantly more time social networking during the pandemic, particularly women. The total model accounted for a significant amount of variance in participants' PSNSU [R2 = 0.54; F(9, 447) = 58.285, p < 0.001). Despite the other people's social rewarding experiences had been drastically reduced by the lockdown, findings showed a direct effect of FoMO on PSNSU. Moreover, FoMO had an effect on online communication attitude and online relational closeness, although only online communication attitude predicted, in turn, PSNSU. Conversely, relational closeness on social networking sites did not predict PSNSU. The present study suggests that, during COVID-19 lockdown, FoMO levels may have strengthened attitudes toward online communication, which, in turn, may have put some individuals at risk of PSNSU.

The role of maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and social anxiety in problematic smartphone and social media use

It has been shown that individuals who are highly socially anxious prefer computer-mediated communication over face-to-face communication possibly due to the control and social liberation that it provides. Yet, little is known about transdiagnostic psychopathology constructs as mediators that may help understand this relationship. In the present study, our goal was to investigate the extent to which maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies mediate the relationship between social anxiety, problematic social networking (SNS) site and smartphone use (PSU). A total of 499 participants filled out our survey including measures of social anxiety, emotion regulation strategies, social media and smartphone addiction. We used structural equation modeling to test the indirect and direct effects between the variables. We found that maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (rumination, catastrophizing, self-blame and other blame) mediated the relationship between social anxiety and both problematic SNS use and PSU. The direct effect between social anxiety and problematic SNS use was also significant. We show that emotion regulation is a key factor in developing problematic and SNS use. Further, we argue that a smartphone could serve as an external tool for emotion regulation which could, in turn, lead to problematic SNS use. Theoretical as well as practical implications are discussed.

Social Media and Depression Symptoms: a Meta-Analysis.

Social Networking Sites (SNS) have close to 3 billion users worldwide. Recently, however, SNS have come under media scrutiny for their potential association with depression. Two previous meta-analyses failed to find evidence for a robust concurrent association between SNS use and depression symptoms. However, these analyses focused primarily on the time spent using SNS. The current meta-analysis is the first to consider the multi-dimensional nature of SNS use, and examines separately the quantitative associations of depression symptoms to SNS use in three types of SNS studies examining three distinct constructs of SNS use: time spent using SNS, intensity of SNS use, and problematic SNS use. Sixty-two studies (N = 451, 229) met inclusion criteria. Depression symptoms were significantly, but weakly, associated with time spent using SNS (r = 0.11) and intensity of SNS use (r = 0.09). However, the association of depression symptoms to problematic SNS use was moderate (r = 0.29), was significantly higher than for time spent using SNS (Qbetween = 35.85, p < 0.001) or intensity of SNS use (Qbetween = 13.95, p < 0.001), and was not significantly moderated by age, gender, year of study publication, or mode of recruitment. These results suggest that future research examining causal models of the relation of SNS use and depression, as well as research on intervention and prevention, should focus in more detail on individuals who are engaging in a pattern of problematic SNS use.

The role of metacognitions and emotion recognition in problematic SNS use among adolescents

Background and aimsProblematic social networking sites (SNS) use is associated with important psychological problems among adolescents. Nevertheless, research on the aetiology of problematic SNS use is limited. Our aim was to investigate the role of metacognitions and emotion recognition in predicting problematic SNS use during the late adolescence period. MethodsEight hundred and sixty-one high school students were recruited for the study. Participants completed the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), the Metacognitions Questionnaire for Children (MCQ-C), and the Children's Version of Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET). ResultsA stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that all subdimensions of metacognitions (positive meta-worry, negative meta-worry, superstition, punishment, and responsibility beliefs, and cognitive monitoring), but not emotion recognition, independently predicted the BSMAS total score controlling for daily SNS use. ConclusionsOur findings indicate that maladaptive metacognitions are associated, independently frequency of daily SNS use, to problematic SNS use among late adolescents. Interventions targeting dysfunctional metacognitions may aid adolescents who suffer from the detrimental effects of problematic SNS use.

The connection and background mechanisms of social fears and problematic social networking site use: A structural equation modeling analysis

Previous research warned that internet and social media use could have a negative effect on the social lives of excessive users. Based on the social compensation hypothesis, however, factors related to social fears could lead to problematic social networking site (SNS) use because individuals try to compensate for their offline popularity. It was shown that individuals with higher levels of social fears tend to prefer computer-mediated (CMC) instead of face to face (FTF) communication. Here, we aimed to create a model that shows the direct and indirect effects of social anxiety and self-esteem on problematic SNS use. A total of 215 participants filled out our survey including measures of social anxiety, self-esteem, fear of negative evaluation, social media and Internet addiction. Using structural equation modeling we tested the indirect and direct effects between the variables. Our results indicated that social anxiety and lower self-esteem could lead to favoring CMC over FTF communication, which may result in problematic internet (PIU) and SNS use as a compensatory behavior to cope with fear of negative evaluation. The indirect pathways might highlight relevant differences behind the motivation of PIU – anonymity – and problematic SNS use – control. Theoretical as well as practical implications are discussed.

The emotion regulatory function of online social networking: Preliminary experimental evidence

Correlational research suggests that emotion regulation deficits, which are known risk factors for substance addictions, may also play a role in the development of problem behaviors such as excessive or maladaptive use of social networking sites (SNS). This study sought to experimentally assess the hypothesized emotion regulatory function of SNS use. 139 undergraduates (53.2% female) were randomized to view brief movie clips known to reliably induce positive (37.4%), negative (29.5%), or neutral mood (33.1%) and then to browse a SNS (46.8%) or control website (53.2%). Mood and subjective urge to access SNS and the Internet were assessed before and after viewing the movie clips and browsing the websites. Participants meeting criteria for “moderate” levels of disordered SNS use self-reported significantly greater deficits in emotion regulation (p = .02, ηp2 = 0.14). Increases in positive and negative affect following the mood induction were associated with a decrease in subjective urge to access SNS (r = −0.22, p = .02, r = −0.28, p = .002, respectively). Time spent browsing SNS resulted in significantly greater increases in self-reported positive affect, compared to the control website (p = .001, ηp2 = 0.09). We replicate previous findings of greater emotion regulation deficits in individuals endorsing problematic SNS use. Increased positive and negative affect resulted in decreased urge to access SNS, suggesting that social networking may primarily serve to counter low-arousal emotions like boredom. Data provide initial experimental evidence to support the hypothesized emotion regulatory function of SNS, with SNS exposure resulting in increased positive affect. Findings suggest that interventions targeting problematic SNS use should incorporate strategies for improved emotion regulation.

Associations between executive functions and problematic social networking sites use

ABSTRACT Background Research on problematic internet use has greatly increased over the last decade. Although there were many studies related to problematic social networking sites (SNS) use, there is limited empirical research yet focused on exploring the relationship between problematic SNS use and Executive Functions (EF). Aim This study set out to determine whether problematic SNS use is associated with cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control aspects of EF. Method A total of 284 individuals participated in the study. A sociodemographic data form, Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were administered. Results Group comparisons revealed no difference in WCST performance between problematic and non-problematic SNS use groups. Categories achieved (WCST-CA) and perseverative errors (WCST-PE) subtests were correlated with “relapse” subtest and “total score” of BSMAS in problematic SNS use group. Regression analysis revealed that WCST-CA and WCST-PE were associated with “relapse” subtest of BSMAS in problematic SNS use group. Conclusion Our findings yielded a possible association between EF and problematic SNS use. Enhancing cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control may be beneficial in mitigating problems related to relapse in excessive SNS use.

Problematic social media use is associated with increased risk-aversion after negative outcomes in the Balloon Analogue Risk Task.

Around the world, people display maladaptive, problematic use of online social networking sites (SNSs), like Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram. The symptoms of this problematic SNS use are similar to symptoms of substance use and behavioral addictive disorders, such as relapse when attempting to quit. Individuals with substance use and behavioral addictive disorders also display increased risk-taking when making decisions, but little research has investigated decision making with respect to problematic SNS use. We therefore assessed risky decision making and problematic SNS use by utilizing the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART). In line with previous research on behavioral addictive disorders, we hypothesized that greater problematic SNS use would be linked with greater risk-taking. To address our hypothesis, we conducted three studies in which we administered the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale to assess problematic SNS use and related scores to BART performance. Collectively, and counter to our initial hypothesis, we found a negative association between problematic SNS use and risk-taking. Specifically, the more problematic one's SNS use, the less risk they took, but this risk aversion only occurred after receiving negative feedback on previous decisions and then encountering a situation with less actual risk. Implications of this novel finding are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Feedback Sensitivity as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Attachment Anxiety and Problematic Facebook Use.

Past research has revealed positive associations between attachment anxiety and problematic social networking site (SNS) use and between attachment anxiety and sensitivity to feedback on an SNS. The aim of this study was to examine whether feedback sensitivity could account for the association between attachment anxiety and problematic SNS use. Two hundred eighty-three adults completed an online survey containing measures of adult attachment style in close relationships, sensitivity to feedback on Facebook, problematic Facebook use, and various control variables (Big Five personality traits, self-esteem, and demographics). A mediation analysis revealed the predicted indirect effect of attachment anxiety on problematic Facebook use through feedback sensitivity. Higher levels of attachment anxiety predicted greater sensitivity to feedback on Facebook, which in turn predicted higher levels of problematic Facebook use. Full mediation was observed with the control variables (attachment avoidance, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness to experience, self-esteem, age, and gender) in the model, and partial mediation was observed without the control variables. These findings replicate past research on attachment anxiety and extend our understanding by establishing a positive association between sensitivity to comments and likes on Feedback and problematic Facebook use.

Adolescents’ Body Shame and Social Networking Sites: The Mediating Effect of Body Image Control in Photos

Adolescents’ social networking site (SNS) use has dramatically grown in the past few years and has increasingly become focused on pictures and visual self-presentation. Attention directed toward online physical appearance appears to trigger some body-related behaviors (e.g., body image monitoring) which potentially are related to self-objectification and problematic SNS use. Indeed, the use of social media platforms (including the active creation of content and peer interactions) provides a highly accessible medium for socializing with self-objectification. The present study evaluated the previously unexplored predictive role of body shame on SNS use, testing the mediating effect of body image control in photos on SNS. A total of 693 Italian adolescents (45% male; Mage = 16 years, range = 13–19 years) participated in the study. Results only partially confirmed the direct effect of body shame on problematic SNS use. However, body shame strongly predicted body image control in SNS photos, leading indirectly to both male and female adolescents’ problematic social media use. The study demonstrated novel findings in the field of self-objectification research and contributes toward the ongoing debate on possible predictors of problematic SNS use.

The relationship between dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs and problematic social networking sites use

Social networking sites (SNSs) enrol new subscribers each day. However, problematic SNS use has undesirable effects on psychological functioning. Therefore, it is important to identify the factors that contribute to the development of problematic SNS use. Very few studies have focused on revealing the underlying mechanisms of problematic SNS use. Although many past studies have examined the relationship between metacognitive beliefs and Internet addiction, the association between metacognitive beliefs and problematic SNS use has not been adequately explored. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between metacognitive beliefs and problematic SNS use among young adults. A total of 308 individuals participated in this study. A socio-demographic data form, the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), and Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS) were administered. Group comparisons were performed using multivariate analysis of covariance. Pearson's correlational and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between metacognitive beliefs and problematic SNS use. The SNS addicts scored higher in all of the SMAS assessments. When compared to non-addicts, SNS addicts obtained higher scores on all the subtests of the SMAS and MCQ-30 except cognitive self-consciousness. The negative beliefs about the uncontrollability and danger of worry, cognitive confidence, and need for control thoughts were associated with SMAS mood modification, relapse and conflict subdimensions. Our findings revealed that dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs are related to problematic SNS use among young adults. These findings indicate that mental health workers should consider the modification of metacognitive beliefs in the treatment of problematic SNS use.

Objectified Body Consciousness, Body Image Control in Photos, and Problematic Social Networking: The Role of Appearance Control Beliefs.

At present, adolescents’ photo-taking and photo-sharing on social media represent ubiquitous practices and objectified body consciousness (OBC) might offer a useful framework to explore online self-presentation and social networking site (SNS) use. Indeed, SNS might represent a highly accessible medium for socializing with self-objectification. However, the relationship between OBC components and problematic SNS use is still understudied. The present study evaluated the previously unexplored predictive role of appearance control beliefs on problematic SNS use, testing the mediating effect of body image control in photos (BICP) across male and female groups. A total of 693 adolescents (55% females; mean age 16 years) participated in the study. Results showed the negatively predictive role of appearance control beliefs on control over body image in photos. Moreover, BICP mediated the appearance control beliefs’ negative effect on problematic SNS use in girls. The present study tested the unexplored effect of appearance control beliefs upon problematic SNS use, contributing to the OBC research field and the ongoing debate concerning predictive and protective factors in problematic SNS use.

Maximizing social outcomes? Social zapping and fear of missing out mediate the effects of maximization and procrastination on problematic social networks use

The ubiquity of internet-capable mobile devices enables individuals to use online communication and social networking sites (SNSs) almost anytime and anywhere, which may foster addictive usage patterns. SNSs provide manifold options and suggestions for social contacts and experiences, which can increase social comparison processes that potentially cause negative affective states, such as envy, dissatisfaction, or fear of missing out (FoMO). This empirical study (N = 226) investigates associations between the tendencies to maximize outcomes and to procrastinate and problematic social networks use. We assume socially driven cognitions such as FoMO and the tendency to switch or cancel appointments at short notice, named “social zapping,” to mediate these effects. We tested the hypothesized effects through structural equation modeling. The results confirm positive associations between the mentioned constructs. Procrastination fully mediated the effect of maximization on problematic social networks use. Furthermore, FoMO mediated the effects of both maximization and procrastination. The findings indicate that tendencies to maximize and to procrastinate lead to problematic SNS use, especially in cases where specific fears and intentions to find/to not miss a potentially “better” alternative for social experiences are high. Potential relationships and reinforcement mechanisms in the developmental process of problematic social networks use are discussed.