Complete the Social Media Disorder scale. How did you score? What do you think about the items in the scale? Why do you think that different patterns are found across the world?

During the past year, have you …

• regularly found that you can’t think of anything else but the moment that you will be able to use
  social media again?
• regularly felt dissatisfied because you wanted to spend more time on social media?
• often felt bad when you could not use social media?
• tried to spend less time on social media, but failed?
• regularly neglected other activities (e.g. hobbies, sport) because you wanted to use social media?
• regularly had arguments with others because of your social media use?
• regularly lied to your parents or friends about the amount of time you spend on social media?
• often used social media to escape from negative feelings?
• had serious conflict with your parents, brother(s) or sister(s) because of your social media use?

Out of nine, I scored an underwhelming two. The only two that I could relate with were “tried to spend less time on social media, but failed” and “often used social media to escape negative feelings”.

I believe the items on the scale could effectively be used to tell if someone has a disorder concerning social media. The first question addresses whether an individual has an obsession with social media. The second suggests there’s a constant desire to be on social media, indicating possible addiction or dependence. The third question relates to withdrawal or unhappiness. The list continues to ask questions like this because certain answers to the questions can indicate a serious problem.

Regarding the variation in patterns found across the world, cultural, social, and technological factors can influence people’s relationship with social media. Different countries and regions may have varying levels of internet penetration, access to smartphones, and cultural norms around technology use. Social media may play a different role in people’s lives depending on these factors.

Furthermore, factors such as age, gender, and personal experiences can also impact how individuals engage with social media. Cultural attitudes towards technology and social norms play a significant role in shaping these patterns.