A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Young adults’ risk profiles and predictive factors of Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hylkilä, Krista; Kääriäinen, Maria; Peltonen, Aino; Castrén, Sari; Mustonen, Terhi; Konttila, Jenni; Männikkö, Niko
Publisher: Springer Nature
Publication year: 2025
Journal: Current Psychology
Volume: 44
First page : 6848
Last page: 6862
ISSN: 1046-1310
eISSN: 1936-4733
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-025-07662-w
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Partially Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-025-07662-w
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/515516542
Self-archived copy's licence: CC BY
Self-archived copy's version: Publisher`s PDF
Problematic social media use (PSMU) is a current public health concern. The current study aimed to identify the risk profiles and predictive factors of PSMU among young Finnish adults using a cross-sectional design. Survey data were analysed with K-means clustering and logistic regression, revealing three profiles: high-risk (HRG), moderate-risk (MRG), and low-risk (LRG) groups. The HRG was characterized by low conscientiousness and self-esteem, high neuroticism, and ADHD symptoms. No significant differences were noted in social support and other personality traits across profiles. Significant associations were found between profiles and sociodemographic factors, social media use duration, and motivations for use. These findings underscore the need to consider sociodemographic, psychosocial, and motivational factors in identifying individuals at risk for PSMU. The study’s outcomes can help develop effective policies and interventions for preventing and identifying PSMU.
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Funding information in the publication:
Open Access funding provided by University of Oulu (including Oulu University Hospital).
None.