Regularly found that you can’t think of anything else but the moment you will be able to use social media again. No
Regularly felt dissatisfied because you want to spend more time on social media? No
Often felt bad when you could not use social media? No
Tried to spend less time on social media, but failed? Yes
Regularly neglected other activities (i.e. hobbies, sports, homework) because you wanted to use social media? No
Regularly had arguments with others because of your social media use? No
Regularly lied to your parents or friends about the amount of time you spend on social media? No
Often used social media to escape from negative feelings? Yes
Had serious conflicts with parents, siblings, friends, or relationships because of your social media use? No
Based on this, you meet two criteria for a “disordered social media user” according to the Social Media Disorder Scale: Persistence and Escape.
Regarding the scale items:
Preoccupation: This item measures whether individuals constantly think about using social media. It’s important because it reflects how much one’s thoughts are dominated by social media.
Tolerance: This item assesses whether individuals feel dissatisfied and want to spend more time on social media. It highlights the potential for addiction-like behavior where increasing amounts of time are desired.
Withdrawal: This item checks if individuals feel bad when they cannot use social media. Withdrawal symptoms indicate dependency.
Persistence: This item evaluates attempts to cut down on social media use unsuccessfully. It demonstrates a lack of control over one’s behavior.
Displacement: This item explores whether individuals neglect other activities because of social media. It reflects the interference of social media with daily life.
Problems: This item examines if social media use leads to arguments with others. It indicates the social consequences of excessive social media use.
Deception: This item measures whether individuals lie about their social media use. It reflects attempts to conceal the extent of one’s use, which can indicate awareness of problematic behavior.
Escape: This item assesses whether individuals use social media to escape negative feelings. It reflects coping mechanisms and potential emotional dependence on social media.
Conflict: This item explores whether social media use causes serious conflicts with others. It indicates the interpersonal consequences of excessive use.
Different patterns across the world can be attributed to cultural differences, societal norms, access to technology, and individual psychological factors. Cultural attitudes towards technology, social norms surrounding communication, and the availability of alternative activities can all influence how people engage with social media and whether it becomes problematic. Additionally, individual differences in personality, coping strategies, and susceptibility to addictive behaviors can contribute to variations in social media usage patterns and their potential for disorder.