The Role of Self-Esteem, Depressive Symptoms, Extraversion, Neuroticism and FOMO in Problematic Social Media Use: Exploring User Profiles

AbstractProblematic social media use (PSMU) is known to be associated with self-esteem, depressive
symptomology, extraversion, neuroticism and the fear of missing out (FOMO).
However, few studies have sought to understand how these psychological factors
may converge and differentially relate to PSMU severity. Thus, the current study
examined how these factors may present as different ‘user profiles’. A total of
574 participants completed an online survey, and hierarchical cluster analysis
and K-means clustering techniques were used to form profiles. A five-cluster
solution was identified. The clusters differed in PSMU scores and in order of
PSMU sever ity were identified as FOMO, Emotionally Vulnerable, Low-risk, Low
Extraversion and Protective profiles. These findings indicate a more nuanced
understanding of PSMU severity may be gained by considering how specific
psychological correlates converge as opposed to considering them as unique
predictors of PSMU. Future research may benefit from conceptualising PSMU from
a combined risk lens that prioritises the relationship between PSMU correlates.

Source: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction - June 14, 2023 Category: Addiction Source Type: research