I scored a 3 on the Social Media Disorder Scale, which falls under the “risky” usage category. I think the items in the scale are very relevant, as they reflect some of the emotional and behavioral patterns that come with overusing social media. For example, questions about withdrawal or neglecting responsibilities really made me reflect on how easy it is to let social media take over daily priorities. The scale does a good job of showing how social media use can become excessive without us realizing it.

Different patterns across the world likely result from cultural norms, access to technology, and societal expectations. In some countries, social media is essential for staying connected due to long work hours or distance from family, while in others it’s mainly used for entertainment. These differences shape how people engage with social media and how often they use it.