Problematic Social Media Use among Adolescents

This presentation examines problematic social media use (PSMU) in adolescents by reviewing cross‑national and longitudinal evidence on prevalence, harms, risk factors, and whether PSMU should be considered a behavioural addiction. It opens with societal concerns about adolescents’ mental health and sleep in relation to excessive social media use. Findings from the cross‑national Health Behaviour in School‑Aged Children (HBSC) study (48 countries) are summarized, showing overall trends in PSMU prevalence from 2017 to 2025 and differences by age and gender. The Social Media Disorder construct and scale (DSM‑5–informed criteria) are introduced, and a definition of behavioural addiction is discussed. Longitudinal data from the Digital Youth project (Utrecht University) are then presented, comparing the effects of mere intensity of social media use versus symptoms of problematic use on psychosocial well‑being, attention/impulsivity, and school performance. Key risk groups and mechanisms underlying vulnerability to PSMU are examined, drawing on recent cross‑sectional and longitudinal studies. Based on the presented findings, Dr. van den Eijnden will conclude that current evidence increasingly supports viewing PSMU as a probable behavioural addiction because of its demonstrable harms, while noting that more research is needed on persistence and long‑term course. Policy implications will include cautious age recommendations and guidance for parents to mitigate risk.