Social Media Addiction: Mechanisms and Consequences

Social media are an integral part of everyday life for many people. At the same time, recent research suggests that intensive and uncontrolled social media use can be associated with negative psychological and social outcomes. The aim of this project is to systematically examine key mechanisms underlying problematic social media use and its consequences.

The project focuses on individual factors as well as social and contextual conditions that may foster the development of addiction-like use patterns. In addition, we analyze associations between problematic use and psychological well-being, social integration, and performance.

Methodologically, the project combines standardized questionnaires with biopsychological measures such as eye tracking and skin conductance, as well as big data sources (e.g., PISA). The findings are intended to improve our understanding of how social media addiction develops and is maintained, and to inform approaches to prevention and intervention.