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

Abstract

Purpose

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.

Citation

Al-Samarraie, H., Bello, K.-A., Alzahrani, A.I., Smith, A.P. and Emele, C. (2022), "Young users' social media addiction: causes, consequences and preventions", Information Technology & People, Vol. 35 No. 7, pp. 2314-2343. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-11-2020-0753