Social Networking Sites Addiction Research Articles

Psychological Hardiness and its Relation to Social Networking Sites Addiction among a Sample of Female Adolescents in Jeddah

هدفت الدراسة الحالية إلى التعرف على العلاقة بين الصلابة النفسية وإدمان شبكات التواصل الاجتماعي لدى عينة من المراهقات في مدينة جدة، والتعرف على مستوى الصلابة النفسية وإدمان شبكات التواصل الاجتماعي لديهم، والكشف عن الفروق في مستوى الصلابة النفسية وإدمان شبكات التواصل الاجتماعي لدى عينة الدراسة وفقًا لمتغير (تقدير المعدل الدراسي)، وقد اعتمدت الدراسة على المنهج الوصفي بشقيه الارتباطي والمقارن، وقد تكونت عينة الدراسة من (434) طالبة من المرحلتين المتوسطة والثانوية، وقد استخدمت الباحثة مقياس الصلابة النفسية ومقياس إدمان شبكات التواصل الاجتماعي كأدوات للدراسة، وأظهرت النتائج وجود علاقة ارتباطية سالبة بين الصلابة النفسية وإدمان شبكات التواصل الاجتماعي، ووجود مستوى مرتفع من الصلابة النفسية لدى عينة الدراسة وقد جاء بعد (الالتزام) كأكثر الأبعاد ارتفاعًا في المستوى لديهم، وفي المقابل وجود مستوى متوسط من إدمان شبكات التواصل الاجتماعي حيث كان أكثر الأبعاد ارتفاعًا في المستوى هو بعد (تعديل المزاج)، كما توصلت الدراسة لعدم وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية في الصلابة النفسية تبعًا لمتغير (تقدير المعدل الدراسي)، وفي المقابل وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية في إدمان شبكات التواصل الاجتماعي وفقًا لمتغير (تقدير المعدل الدراسي). وبناءً على نتائج الدراسة أوصت الباحثة بالعمل على القيام بحملات توعوية للمراهقات تعمل على تشجيعهم على الاستخدام المسؤول لشبكات التواصل الاجتماعي، وإعداد برامج تثقيفية تستهدف الوالدين تركز على أهمية تنمية الصلابة النفسية لدى الأبناء منذ الصغر.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMOTION REGULATION DIFFICULTIES AND SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES ADDICTION

ABSTRACT
 One of the internet facilities that help run social activities is social networking sites. The use of social networking sites is stable on an annual basis at a duration of 3.5 hours/day and is said to bring positive emotions to the users. However, excessive use that tends to lead to the formation of social networking sites addiction can be associated with difficulty in regulating emotions. Previous study had suggested a relationship between social networking sites addiction and emotion regulation difficulties in the context of Chinese social networks. To examine this hypothesis in another location of Jakarta, this study used a non-experimental quantitative method with a self-report questionnaire, namely the adapted version of Social Networking Addiction Scale (SNAS) and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Participants in this study were determined by the cross-sectional approach, involving 391 students (18-24 years) domiciled in Jakarta or who are enrolled in any university in Jakarta. Data was analyzed using Spearman correlation, and the result shows that there is a significant positive relationship between emotion regulation difficulties and social networking sites addiction {r (389) = 0.330, p < 0.01}.

Addiction to social networking sites: Motivations, flow, and sense of belonging at the root of addiction

The adverse effects of excessive and problematic social networking sites (SNSs) use are well described in academic and practitioner literature. However, it remains unclear how these problematic uses arise. By exploring the phenomenon of SNS addiction, this paper identifies how the problematic use of an SNS emerges and develops. We hypothesize that the flow state induced by using SNSs and the sense of belonging are two mediators of the influence of the user's motivations on the development of an SNS addiction. We used variance-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze data collected from a sample of TikTok SNS users and test the research hypotheses. The results suggest that different addiction mechanisms are associated with different motivations to continue using the social network. This research brings new insights to the social media addiction literature by identifying one new alternative addiction mechanism – via the sense of belonging – by which addiction to social networks can develop. Such knowledge may help inform social networking providers and organizations of social media users' engagement triggers. It also helps inform public health officials on how to help users overcome addictive behaviors on social media.

Psychology of aesthetics: Beauty, social media, and body dysmorphic disorder.

The perception of beauty is fluid within society and can morph based on cultural practices and societal interaction, such as social media exposure. The exposure to digital conference platforms has increased significantly, leading users to check their appearance constantly and find flaws in their perceived virtual appearance. Studies have shown that frequent social media use may lead to unrealistic body image ideals, a significant concern with appearance, and anxiety. Also, social media exposure can worsen body image dissatisfaction, social networking site addiction, and comorbidities of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) such as depression and eating disorders. Additionally, excessive social media use can increase preoccupation with imagined image defects among BDD patients leading them to pursue minimally invasive cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures. This contribution aims to provide an overview of the evidence surrounding the perception of beauty, cultural aspects of aesthetics, and social media's consequences, especially on BDD's clinical specifics.

The Role of Family Environment in Social Networking Sites Addiction among University Students

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the differences in family environment of students who are addicted to social networking sites, and those who are not. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the contribution of family environment to Social Networking Sites Addiction (SNSA) among Jordanian university students.
 Methods: The sample of the study consisted of 629 undergraduate students. Data were collected online, using two scales for measuring family environment and SNSA. The study utilized the descriptive-predictive method by distributing a questionnaire to the study participants via google forms.
 Results: Results revealed significant differences in the mean scores of students addicted to social networking sites, and those who were not on the subscales of the family environment scale, where students who were not addicted scored higher on the subscales of cohesion, expressiveness and organization, whereas addicted students scored higher on the conflict subscale. It was found that the dimensions of conflict, intellectual-cultural orientation and expressiveness of the family environment scale predicted SNSA in males; and the dimensions of conflict and expressiveness predicted SNSA in females.
 Conclusions: The level of addiction to social networking sites among university students is determined according to the family environment in which they live. If the family environment is characterized by cohesion and gives children freedom of expression and encourages organization, then the children will not resort to social networking sites as a means to escape from the conditions in which they live; and on the contrary if the environment is dominated by ongoing conflicts between family members.

The Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 in a Polish sample: psychometric validation and relationship with specific Internet-related disorders and psychosocial functioning.

The present study aimed to adapt and psychometrically validate the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) based on the cognitive-behavioral model of problematic Internet use. Furthermore, the study aimed to examine the relationship between problematic Internet use and other specific Internet-related disorders (i.e., social networking sites addiction, Facebook addiction, and problematic pornography use), as well as the relationships with indicators of poor psychosocial functioning. GPIUS2 was administered to 1155 young Internet users. Participants completed a survey assessing problematic Internet use, specific Internet related-disorders, and indicators of poor psychosocial functioning (anxious and avoidant attachment, social anxiety, and loneliness) via two measuring contexts (online and offline). The results support a four-factor internal structure of the GPIUS2, similar to that initially proposed and the results of the previous studies. GPIUS2 demonstrated good reliability as well as scalar invariance across online and offline measured contexts. Problematic Internet use is a multidimensional construct rather than a one-dimensional construct with strong but not overlapping positive relations with the other specific Internet-related disorders. Those relationships are especially strong among problematic activities related to the social context of Internet use. Furthermore, our findings prove the theoretical assumptions that psychosocial problems and poor social skills are related to problematic Internet use.

Addiction Among Adolescents to Social Networking Sites in Malaysia: A Hierarchical Multiple Linear Regression Analysis

Background: Social networking sites (SNSs) have changed the ways that we interact with each other. The use of social networking sites by adolescents is addictive, with numerous negative consequences. Various factors influence social networking sites addiction among adolescents. Objective: We aimed to determine the prevalence of gender-specific social networking sites addiction among adolescents and the factors influence social networking sites addiction. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional community-based research was conducted by face-to-face interviews among adolescents in all 11 administrative divisions of Sarawak, Malaysia. The multistage cluster sampling technique was followed, with an adolescent selected systematically from each household. An adapted and validated questionnaire, which included 20 items of social networking sites addiction, was used to collect data. We analysed 1344 adolescent’s data using IBM SPSS Version 22.0. A partial least square structural path with mediation analysis was done using WarpPLS version 7.0. Results: Three-quarters of the adolescents (76.2%) used social networking sites, but only two-fifths of them (40.4%) were addicted, with 15% having moderate-severe addiction to social networking sites. The most frequently used social networking sites was YouTube (77.9%), followed by Facebook (75.2%) and Instagram (59.0%). Self-esteem had a negative correlation, while adolescent risk behaviours directly affected social networking sites addiction (p<0.001). The most potent predictors for social networking sites addiction were YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest (p<0.05). Conclusion: Tackling risk behaviours and enhancing adolescents’ self-esteem would reduce the tendency to be addicted to social networking sites. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2022; 48(1): 10-20

Social network addiction symptoms and body dissatisfaction in young women: exploring the mediating role of awareness of appearance pressure and internalization of the thin ideal

BackgroundPrevious studies testing for a direct relationship between social networking sites (SNS) addiction and body dissatisfaction (BD) have yielded inconsistent results. Here, we aimed to identify underlying processes that could mediate this relationship. Specifically, we studied the relationship between SNS addiction symptoms and BD through the awareness of appearance pressures and the internalization of beauty ideals, both individually and serially: SNS addiction → Awareness → BD; SNS addiction → Internalization → BD; SNS addiction → Awareness → Internalization → BD.MethodA total of 368 female undergraduates with SNS accounts completed scales to assess SNS addiction symptoms (Social Network Addiction Questionnaire), BD (Body Shape Questionnaire), awareness, and internalization (Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4; awareness and internalization scales). A theoretical serial mediation model was constructed to examine the proposed relationships. Body mass index was included as a covariate to control the influence of this important variable.ResultsThe results indicated that both awareness and internalization independently mediated the relationship between SNS addiction symptoms and BD. Also, there was a significant serial mediation effect; women with more SNS addiction symptoms tended to be more aware of appearance pressure, which was associated with the internalization of beauty ideals. In turn, this internalization was positively related to BD symptoms.ConclusionsThese findings shed light on the indirect relationship between SNS addiction and BD, demonstrating independent and accumulative mediating effects of awareness and internalization.

Cognitive functioning and social networking sites addiction - a review.

Nowadays social networking sites are commonly available and used by people in different age groups. These are used especially to communicate with other users but sometimes it turns into addiction, when people overuse it. This phenomenon belongs to so-called behavioural addiction which, only recently, has been described in scientific literature. It is crucial to differentiate when using social networking sites is normal and when it goes beyond the social norms. The article depicts the data concerning the spread of the social networking sites addiction phenomenon, its theoretical models and the possibility to identify it on the basis of diagnostic criteria offered by scientists. The main topic of this article is to discuss cognitive function in this specific kind of addiction. Researchers related this to personal, social and emotional spheres until now. However, it seems that cognitive processing, especially cognitive control and executive functions have a crucial role in explaining social media addiction mechanisms. Additionally, an understanding of these mechanisms can contribute to developing more appropriate forms both in terms of prevention and therapy.

Interpersonal Relationship Stress Brings on Social Networking Sites Addiction Among Chinese Undergraduate Students.

The adverse effects of life stress on social networking sites addiction are increasingly recognized, but so far there is little evidence on how and which specific types of life stress are conducive to the addictive behavior. Interpersonal relationship stress being the main source of stress for undergraduates, the purpose of the current paper is thus to delve into whether perceived stress in interpersonal relationships significantly leads to WeChat addiction and, if so, how this type of stress drives the excessive use of WeChat. The data was collected from self-report questionnaires completed by 463 Chinese undergraduate students and then analyzed with structural equation modeling. The results revealed that the positive association between WeChat users’ interpersonal relationship stress and addictive behavior is fully and sequentially mediated by WeChat use intensity and social interaction. More specifically, accumulation of stress in interpersonal relationships gives rise to the intensity of WeChat use, which in turn fuels rising addiction to WeChat both directly and indirectly via social interaction on WeChat. These findings contribute to a more refined understanding of the pathological use of WeChat.

An Assessment of Social Networking Sites Addiction Among Female Undergraduate Students in Kwara State, Nigeria

Online access of information and other purposes through social networking sites are becoming more easier day by day due to increased penetration of internet and affordability ubiquitous nature of computer devices and platforms. What is the pattern and trend of social networking sites addiction (SNA) among female undergraduate students. This study employs descriptive research design using survey method. Sampling was by simple random among female undergraduate students in two selected universities in Kwara state of Nigeria. This study engages four objectives to guide the research. Findings revealed the most popular social networking sites, factors responsible for SN usage, different causes for SN addiction and solutions to SN addiction. There was no significant relationship between age and SN addiction, while there is a strong positive significant relationship between course of study and SNA and a positive significant relationship between institutions and factors affecting SNA. It was concluded that certain factors and causes were responsible SNA among female undergraduate students. Recommendations on how to avoid SNA were provided.

Components of the Mobile Social Networking Sites Addiction Scale and Its Relationship with Social Overload and Religiosity

The present study aims at adapting and validating the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS) for mobile social networking site (MSNS) addiction in the context of a developing country. The study further examines the role of social overload and religiosity in MSNS addiction. A cross-sectional survey was used to obtain data from a sample of 557 MSNS users in South Africa. The psychometric properties of the adaptation of the BFAS for MSNS addiction were robustly assessed using the structural equation modelling technique. The results suggest a five-factor addiction component model for MSNS addiction with excellent psychometric properties. Given that much of the existing literature suggests a six-factor behavioural addiction component model for SNS addiction, the findings of the present study contribute new insights into the literature and reinforce the need for far-reaching cross-cultural validation scales beyond their original contexts. Furthermore, the findings of the study make an original contribution to the literature by explaining how social overload mediates the impact of religiosity on users who are addicted to MSNS.

Purposes of internet use among Iranian university students: exploring its relationship with social networking site (SNS) addiction

BackgroundHigher education students are heavy users of the internet for a wide variety of reasons, including Social Networking Sites (SNSs). This study investigated various purposes of internet use among undergraduate university students, and how different categories of such activities are related to SNS addiction.MethodsThe sample set from 420 SNS users (280 females), a survey questionnaire was used to collect the information, including demographic information, purposes for internet usage (social, entertainment, academic, and economic purposes), and SNS addiction. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and a path diagram to estimate the regression coefficients were used to examine the data.ResultsFindings revealed that the most common purposes for using the internet were online social networking and information seeking, followed by listening to music or watching movies, learning, relaxing, using email for educational needs, and reading socio-political news. In the comparison between categories of purposes for internet usage, the most prevalent group of purposes were academic and informative, recreational, social, and economic categories respectively. Moreover, the most significant influences belonged to the social group [positively], the academic and informative group (negatively), and the recreational group (positively) on SNS addiction respectively. The economic group of purposes did not have a significant influence on SNS addiction.ConclusionThis study has important implications for education and health providers, particularly in universities; we recommend that they try to improve students’ mental health and academic performance by providing opportunities for them to improve their IT literacy and skills.

The Facilitative Effect of Impulsiveness on the Dark Triad and Social Network Sites Addiction

This research investigated the relationships of the Dark Triad, impulsiveness, and social network sites (SNS) addiction with adolescents. In particular, this research examined the indirect effects of the measured motor, attentional, and nonplanning impulsiveness on the relationship of the Dark Triad and SNS addiction. To examine the possible antecedents of SNS addiction, 169 adolescents aged 14-17 were recruited for this research. After obtaining informed consents from their legal guardians, these adolescents completed the Dirty Dozen, the modified Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale – version 11. Results showed that the Dark Triad composite score was positively correlated with SNS addiction and the different aspects of impulsiveness, while SNS addiction was positively correlated with motor impulsiveness. The indirect effect of motor impulsiveness on the relationship of the Dark Triad and SNS addiction was significant. The present findings provide theoretical insights to the development of SNS addiction.

Which aspects of narcissism are related to Social Networking Sites addiction? The role of self-enhancement and self-protection

Narcissism was found to be one of the essential personality-related risk factor of Social Networking Sites (SNS) addiction. However, most of the research neglected its heterogeneous nature. In this study, we focus on four aspects of narcissism (i.e., admirative narcissism, communal narcissism, rivalrous narcissism, and vulnerable narcissism), acknowledging that they might be associated with different underlying narcissistic motives (i.e., self-enhancement or self-protection) and realized in different domains (i.e., agency or communion). We tested whether four aspects of narcissism separately and additively contribute to SNS addiction using self-report measures of narcissism and SNS addiction in three cross-sectional studies (N = 1659; one students' sample and two general Polish samples). The results indicate that all four aspects of narcissism were positively related to SNS addiction. However, only rivalrous, communal, and vulnerable narcissism aspects were independent predictors of SNS addiction. We also conclude that SNSs might not be the optimal platform for gaining gratifications via solely agentic self-enhancement. Furthermore, SNS addiction may develop not only as a compensatory mechanism of interpersonal sensitivity and poor social relations in the relatively controllable SNS' environment (as indicated by vulnerable narcissism) but also maladaptive self-regulation via antagonism and hostility towards others (as indicated by rivalrous narcissism).

The Effects of IT Addiction on Trust and Social Influence Perceptions

Technology addiction has been the focus of many recent studies in the information systems (IS) literature. This paper examines how user perceptions and usage intentions toward social networking sites (SNS) are distorted by their level of addiction to the technology. To this end, a research model that incorporates the technology addiction construct and two system-referenced perceptions (trust and social influence) has been constructed and tested to explain the effects of addiction on augmenting one’s perceptions of SNS. Data were obtained from an online survey of 202 SNS users in Saudi Arabia. A Structural equation modelling technique was used to evaluate the proposed model. The findings confirmed that users’ level of SNS addiction influence their reasoned-based usage intentions by distorting users’ perceptions toward the technology. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

How is Father Phubbing Associated with Adolescents’ Social Networking Sites Addiction? Roles of Narcissism, Need to Belong, and Loneliness

ABSTRACT Objective Parents’ phubbing has been found to be positively associated with adolescents’ internet-related addiction. However, it remains unknown whether father phubbing would influence adolescents’ social networking sites addiction (SNSA), and the mechanisms underlying this association stays largely unknown. This study aims to expand previous research by testing the mediating effect of loneliness, as well as the moderating effects of narcissism and need to belong in the association between father phubbing and adolescents’ SNSA. Method In a cross-sectional design, 4,172 participants (2,189 boys and 1,983 girls; M age = 16.41 ± .77) from 5 high schools in China completed measures of demographic variables, father phubbing, loneliness, narcissism, need to belong, and SNSA. Results Results from regression analyses found that (a) Father phubbing had a positive association with adolescents’ SNSA; (b) Loneliness partially mediated this association; (c) Narcissism and need to belong concurrently moderated the association between father phubbing and loneliness. In particular, the effect of father phubbing on loneliness was weaker among students with high narcissism, and among students with low need to belong. Conclusions The findings enrich our understanding of how father phubbing may increase the risk of SNSA among adolescents, and underscore the potential importance of reducing father phubbing and loneliness to prevent adolescents’ SNSA.

A Sociopsychological Approach to Millennials Attitudes on Social Networking Sites

This research aims to identify the social and psychological origins of needs, which may result in the need to obtain certain gratifications from social networking sites, different patterns of social networking sites usage, or cause social networking sites addiction, and the possible consequences they may have on millennials social capital and attitudes toward social networking sites advertising. The study adopts the Uses and Gratifications theory and employs a quantitative research method. The sample of the study consisted of 385 millennials, aged from 21-37 years old, who all used Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube platforms. Data were analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling. The findings of the study provide useful insights regarding millennials behavior on social networking sites, as well as their attitudes towards social networking sites advertising. The findings suggest several implications and recommendations for marketers, which can help in increasing the effectiveness of advertisements directed to millennials.

Why Are People Addicted to SNS? Understanding the Role of SNS Characteristics in the Formation of SNS Addiction

Research has shown that many people use social networking sites (SNS) excessively, which may lead to various negative consequences. With the aim of reducing SNS addition, this study investigates the role of SNS characteristics in the formation of SNS addiction. By applying incentive sensitization theory in the context of SNS addiction, we suggest that the compulsive motivation for using an SNS is developed by pleasurable and rewarding SNS use experiences. Social network characteristics and communication characteristics, which determine the rewards that users obtain from SNS use, moderate the relationship between habitual SNS use and SNS addiction. We develop novel behavioral measures of habitual SNS use and SNS addiction based on SNS activity logs and empirically test the research model using a large and unique dataset. Besides contributing to the theoretical development of SNS addiction, the results of this study offer practical options to help prevent SNS addiction. Moreover, the measures of SNS addiction enable the automated monitoring of user behavior on SNS, which could be useful for detecting potential SNS addicts.

Internet addiction and criminal phenomenology: an insight on the Social Networking Sites addiction and the online death games

With the advent of the virtual world as the counterpart of our daily lives, several concerns emerged. The following paper will focus on the iGeneration, a fragile social group grown up between the online and the offline world, and its chances to develop a technology addiction. Secondly, an insight on the illustrative and extreme scenario of the Blue Whale Challenge, a death challenge emerged on social networking sites, its implications and connection with the real world.