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Cited by 78Impact of Technology on AdolescentsSexuality, Behavior, and TechnologyDigital Media and Philosophy

Problematic use or addiction? A scoping review on conceptual and operational definitions of negative social networking sites use in adolescents

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Varona, M.N., Muela, A., Machimbarrena, J.M.·2022·Addictive Behaviors
DOI 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107400
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Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the conceptual and operational descriptions of negative social networking site (SNS) use in adolescents. A search was conducted among four databases, following the guidelines set forth in the PRISMA-ScR. The search resulted in 1503 articles, of which 112 met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that the negative use of SNS has been conceptualised from two approaches: (1) the component model of addiction and (2) a cognitive-behavioural problematic use paradigm. Thirty-seven instruments assessing this problem were found, with the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale and its adaptations being the most widely used ones. These instruments dimensions were vaguely defined and often overlapped with one another. In conclusion, no standardised theoretical framework exists to assess negative SNS use in adolescents. This lack of a theoretical definition makes it difficult to compare results among studies and determine the true extent of the problem.

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  • Social motivations aimed at maintaining interpersonal relationships, friendships, or links with peers in social networks play an important role in continuing unhealthy or problematic behaviors in the use of these media.

    “Therefore, social motivations aimed at maintaining interpersonal relationships, friendships, or links with peers in social networks (perceived as rewarding) play an important role in continuing unhealthy or problematic behaviors in the use of these media (González-Nuevo et al., 2021;Moretta et al., 2022;Varona et al., 2022).”

    From Problematic use of social media in adolescents or excessive social gratification? The mediating role of nomophobia (2024) · cites this paper as Varona et al., 2022

  • Adolescents' attitudes toward cyber grooming are strongly influenced by their level of education, self-confidence, prior experiences, and environmental support.

    “Varona et al. (2022) found that adolescents' attitudes toward cyber grooming are strongly influenced by their level of education, self-confidence, prior experiences, and environmental support.”

    From Surfing Online Safety: Assertiveness and Parental Involvement in Adolescents’ Attitudes Toward Cyber Grooming (2025) · cites this paper as Varona et al., 2022

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Authors
Varona, M. N., Muela, A., & Machimbarrena, J. M.
Affiliations
University of the Basque Country (ES)
Corresponding author
Machimbarrena, J.M.
ORCID
Venue
Addictive Behaviors
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2022-11
Volume
134
Pages
107400
ISSN
0306-4603 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107400
OpenAlex
W4281616665
Cited by
77
References
53
Citations by year
2026: 23 · 2025: 22 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 18 · 2022: 1
FWCI
2.27
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Addictive Behaviors (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Communities in ADDI (University of the Basque Country) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • Hispana (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • Re-Unir (International University of La Rioja) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Funders
Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Computer Science Applications › Digital Media and Philosophy
Keywords
social media addiction, social networking sites, adolescents, addiction, Facebook addiction, Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale, measurement instruments, conceptual definitions

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