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?

On the social media disorder scale, I scored a 2/9 meaning that only 2 of the items pertained to me. The items in the scale were very applicable to many of my peers and it is vital to asses ourselves so that we can be aware of if social media is causing negative consequences. A higher score on the scale may mean that social media is having a significant impact on our well-being.

I think that different social media usage patterns are found across the world because of cultural norms, access to social media, and government regulations. In the United States, for example, social media is deeply integrated into daily life, serving as both a communication tool and a source of entertainment. In contrast, some cultures may have more reserved or conservative views on technology use. Another reason for different patterns in social media usage is access to the internet and to social media platforms. In many developing countries, limited access to affordable devices and the internet can result in lower social media usage. This lack of access can contribute to disparities in social media patterns between regions. Government regulations and policies can also be a significant determinant of social media usage patterns. Some countries may impose strict regulations on social media platforms, affecting not only the platforms themselves but also how people use them. This can influence the types of content available, the accessibility of platforms, and user behaviors.