Young users' social media addiction: causes, consequences and preventions

Al-Samarraie, Hosam, Bello, Kirfi-Aliyu, Alzarani, Ahmed Ibrahim, Smith, Andrew Paul ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8805-8028 and Emele, Chikezie 2022. Young users' social media addiction: causes, consequences and preventions. Information Technology and People 35 (7) , pp. 2314-2343. 10.1108/ITP-11-2020-0753

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Abstract

Social media addiction has been an ongoing topic of debate for platform developers, well-being and mental health experts. There is a limited understanding of the factors leading to the addiction of young social media users, the consequences of experiencing addiction, and the measures/mechanisms used by parents and platform providers to limit/prevent problematic social media use amongst young users. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature concerning these issues. Design/methodology/approach The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) protocol was used to evaluate and present the results. A total of 45 studies were screened and independently reviewed against predetermined criteria for eligibility. Findings The results revealed four categories of young users' addiction to social media networks (social, technological, behavioural and mental). Several prevention approaches directed at parents and platform providers were discussed. Originality/value This study offers important insights for health policy makers, platform providers, parents and researchers on designing interventions addressing social media addiction amongst young users. It also provides an in-depth understanding of the conceptualization of social media addiction and suggestions on possible actions to prevent it.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Publisher:	Emerald
ISSN:	0959-3845
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	1 December 2021
Date of Acceptance:	11 October 2021
Last Modified:	05 Dec 2024 05:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/145591

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