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Cited by 1Impact of Technology on AdolescentsDigital Media and PhilosophyInnovative Human-Technology Interaction

The Scrolling Paradox: Analyzing Instagram Addiction Patterns in The Digital Age

Open access
Balcıoğlu, Yavuz Selim, Bayraktar, Ümit, Güven, Ejder·2025·İmgelem
DOI 10.53791/imgelem.1685011
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Abstract

This study examines how Instagram design features interact with psychological vulnerabilities, using sentiment analysis and thematic coding of user-generated entries.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This mixed-methods study analyzes 28,434 Reddit entries to examine Instagram addiction through the “Scrolling Paradox,” finding predominantly negative sentiment and platform design—especially infinite scroll—as a central driver of compulsive use. It reports mindfulness-based interventions as more effective (4.1/5) than technical limits (3.2–3.4/5).

Key findings

  • Across 28,434 Instagram-related entries, sentiment was predominantly negative: 61.4% negative, 24.8% positive, and 13.8% neutral; mean sentiment score was -0.37 (SD=0.42), and entries mentioning addiction terms averaged -0.58 (SD=0.31).
  • Four primary themes emerged: platform-driven addiction mechanisms (36.6%, n=10,406), psychological response patterns (29.4%, n=8,359), behavioral manifestations (22.4%, n=6,369), and health/wellbeing impacts (11.6%, n=3,292). Infinite scroll was the most prominent platform subtheme (n=2,039, 19.6%), followed by notifications (n=978, 9.4%) and algorithm-based content (n=709, 7.6%).
  • Correlations included platform design with behavioral manifestations (r=0.68, p<0.001), compulsive checking with addiction criteria (r=0.74, p<0.001), and psychological mechanisms with health impacts (r=-0.73, p<0.001). Users aged 16–24 showed higher social comparison themes (χ²=8.76, p<0.01); daily use over 3 hours was associated with describing all four addiction themes (OR=2.45, 95% CI [1.87, 3.22]).
  • Among 807 entries mentioning modification attempts, reported effectiveness was 3.2/5 for time limitation tools, 3.4/5 for notification management, high initial but frequent relapse for app removal, and 4.1/5 for mindfulness practices.

Methods

  • Mixed-methods design combining sentiment analysis and thematic coding of publicly available Reddit posts/comments. Purposive sampling targeted subreddits including r/nosurf, r/addiction, r/mentalhealth, r/anxiety, r/digitaldetox, and general forums; final dataset comprised 28,434 English entries collected January 2023–March 2024, with minimum 50 words and exclusions for promotional, bot-generated, duplicate, or non-Instagram-focused content.
  • Sentiment scoring used VADER from NLTK, with TextBlob validation; thresholds were ≥0.05 positive, ≤-0.05 negative, and between -0.05 and 0.05 neutral. Manual validation of 1,000 entries achieved inter-rater reliability κ=0.81. Thematic analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s six-phase approach.
  • Demographic classification used self-disclosed age/life-stage and professional/casual-user indicators; inter-rater reliability was κ=0.72 for age and κ=0.68 for user type. Only 34.2% of entries contained sufficient demographic information for classification. Quantitative analyses included correlations, chi-square tests, odds ratios, and t-tests.

Limitations

  • Stated by the paper: reliance on publicly shared Reddit content may not capture private experiences or perspectives of users who do not discuss Instagram usage online; sentiment analysis has inherent limitations in detecting subtle emotional nuances; demographic information was limited due to platform anonymity. The paper also states that purposive sampling is a significant limitation and that results should be interpreted cautiously regarding demographic generalizations.
  • Stated by the paper: future research should investigate longitudinal behavioral trends, include broader demographic representation, and conduct experimental studies testing real-world effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions.
  • Evident from the text: intervention effectiveness is based on self-reported user accounts rather than objective or experimental measurement; the design is cross-sectional and cannot establish causality; the Reddit sample and self-disclosed demographic coding limit generalizability.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.53791/imgelem.1685011

Cites

32 of 32 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

15 of 49 cited sources checked · 2 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    Mindfulness-based approaches might offer more sustainable solutions for Instagram addiction.

    “Research suggests that mindfulness-based approaches, which help users become more aware of their emotional responses to social media, might offer more sustainable solutions (Chang et al. 2023).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Chang et al. 2023 source

      The Introduction (page not provided) says mindfulness-based interventions may help with social media addiction and describes mindfulness as awareness rather than overreaction. The Discussion (page not provided) links mindfulness to identifying and accepting fear of missing out. The paper does not establish that these approaches provide more sustainable solutions or address Instagram addiction specifically. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    Instagram's design elements are purposefully crafted to exploit cognitive and emotional vulnerabilities.

    “One of the key drivers of Instagram addiction lies in its design elements, which are purposefully crafted to exploit cognitive and emotional vulnerabilities.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Yousef et al. 2025 source

      Section 4.1.2 says Instagram and other platforms are designed to hold attention and encourage scrolling; section 4.2.3 links their interfaces and feedback loops to compulsive use. The review does not establish that Instagram’s elements were purposefully crafted to exploit cognitive and emotional vulnerabilities specifically. Page numbers are not available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.83)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Fabio & Iaconis 2024 source

      The Introduction links Instagram addiction to content updates and image curation, and discusses susceptibility to manipulative social-network algorithms. It does not say that Instagram’s design elements were purposefully crafted to exploit cognitive and emotional vulnerabilities. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    Features such as infinite scrolling, algorithm-driven content, and push notifications are engineered to trigger the brain's dopaminergic reward system, encouraging continued engagement with Instagram.

    “Features such as infinite scrolling, algorithm-driven content, and push notifications are engineered to trigger the brain's dopaminergic reward system, encouraging users to continue engaging with the platform (Yousef et al. 2025;Fabio & Iaconis 2024).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Yousef et al. 2025 source
    • cites Fabio & Iaconis 2024 source

      The Introduction describes flow during social-network use as intrinsically rewarding and links expected gratification to continued platform use. The Discussion reports an association between flow and extended use of TikTok and Instagram, but explicitly avoids causal claims. Neither section supports the specific assertion that infinite scrolling, algorithm-driven content, or push notifications are engineered to trigger a dopaminergic reward system. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    Mindfulness-based interventions have shown promise in helping users recognize and address their emotional triggers, leading to more sustainable reductions in compulsive use.

    “In contrast, mindfulness-based interventions have shown promise in helping users recognize and address their emotional triggers, leading to more sustainable reductions in compulsive use (Bakhtiari et al. 2025;Chang et al. 2023).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Bakhtiari et al. 2025 source
    • cites Chang et al. 2023 source

      The Introduction says mindfulness-based interventions may help with social media addiction, and the Discussion suggests that mindfulness may help people identify emotional precursors to addictive behavior. But identifying those precursors is presented as a hypothesis, not an established intervention effect. The Limitations state that this cross-sectional study tested no mindfulness intervention, so it cannot support the claim of more sustainable reductions in compulsive use. Page numbers are not available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Findingown data

    Infinite scrolling is the primary mechanism underlying addictive patterns on Instagram.

    “Findings reveal that Instagram's design significantly drives behaviors such as time distortion, compulsive checking, and validation seeking, with infinite scrolling emerging as the primary mechanism underlying addictive patterns.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: User-generated Reddit entries accurately reflect users' Instagram usage patterns and addiction experiences.
    • Rests on an assumption: Sentiment analysis scores accurately measure the emotional valence of Reddit entries about Instagram.
    • Rests on an assumption: Thematic coding categories reliably capture addiction-related themes in the Reddit entries.
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 16
  • May combine two claims. 39
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 2

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Social media addiction refers to compulsive and maladaptive behaviors such as frequent checking, content consumption, and engagement on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

    “A prominent subtype within this framework is social media addiction, which refers to compulsive and maladaptive behaviors such as frequent checking, content consumption, and engagement on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (Sarialioğlu & Oluç 2024;Fabio & Iaconis 2024;Arslan et al. 2025).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Sarialioğlu & Oluç 2024

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Fabio & Iaconis 2024 source

      The Introduction describes social media addiction as an uncontrollable desire to stay online that can displace other parts of life, and links Instagram addiction to a need for content updates. The Measurement Instruments section includes an item about needing to use Instagram repeatedly. The paper focuses on Instagram and TikTok; it does not substantiate the claim’s examples of Facebook and Twitter. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Arslan et al. 2025 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    These patterns align with the core dimensions of addiction (salience, tolerance, and withdrawal), suggesting that Instagram addiction follows similar behavioral trajectories to other forms of addiction.

    “These patterns align with the core dimensions of addiction outlined in frameworks such as salience, tolerance, and withdrawal, suggesting that Instagram addiction follows similar behavioral trajectories to other forms of addiction (Wei et al. 2025;Tomska et al. 2025).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Wei et al. 2025 source

      The Results (section 3.2; page unavailable) identify preoccupation and withdrawal as symptoms captured by the Internet Addiction Test, supporting part of the comparison with addiction dimensions. The paper does not establish tolerance as a dimension in this analysis or examine Instagram addiction and its behavioral trajectories; its findings concern internet use among Chinese undergraduates. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Tomska et al. 2025 source

      The Introduction discusses shared reward and behavioral-control mechanisms in behavioral addictions, and the Discussion addresses problematic internet use. Neither section identifies salience, tolerance, and withdrawal as dimensions of Instagram addiction or shows that Instagram addiction follows the same behavioral trajectory as other addictions. (LLM, conf=0.82)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Instagram's gamification strategies resemble the reward mechanisms seen in gambling, encouraging compulsive use, especially among younger users.

    “These behaviors are compounded by Instagram's gamification strategies, which resemble the reward mechanisms seen in gambling, encouraging compulsive use, especially among younger users (Fabio & Iaconis 2024).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Fabio & Iaconis 2024 source

      The Introduction links Instagram addiction to repeated content updates, and the Results report an association between Instagram addiction and rewarding flow experiences. However, the paper does not describe Instagram’s features as gambling-like gamification or show that they encourage compulsive use especially among younger users; its Discussion cautions that the findings are correlational. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The identification of Instagram's design elements as primary addiction drivers (36.6% of themes) aligns with Yousef et al. (2025) and Fabio & Iaconis (2024), who emphasized how algorithm-driven content and push notifications trigger dopaminergic reward systems.

    “Our identification of Instagram's design elements as primary addiction drivers (36.6% of themes) aligns with Yousef et al. (2025) and Fabio & Iaconis (2024), who emphasized how algorithm-driven content and push notifications trigger dopaminergic reward systems.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Yousef et al. (2025) source

      Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 2 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Fabio & Iaconis (2024) source

      Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 1 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 1 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Specific patterns associated with Instagram addiction include time distortion, compulsive app checking, and social validation seeking.

    “From a behavioral perspective, studies have identified specific patterns associated with addiction, such as time distortion, compulsive app checking, and social validation seeking.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Wei et al. 2025 source

      The Measures section (Table 2; page not provided) includes staying online longer than intended and checking an instant message before other tasks, supporting related internet-use patterns. The paper studies internet addiction among Chinese undergraduates, not Instagram addiction, and the passages do not identify social validation seeking as a pattern. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Tomska et al. 2025 source

      The Introduction discusses reward-seeking and impulse control in behavioral addiction, while the Discussion addresses problematic internet use and health measures. Neither section identifies Instagram addiction or the claimed patterns of time distortion, compulsive app checking, and social validation seeking; searches for those terms and related social-media language found no supporting passage. (LLM, conf=0.76)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The mean sentiment score across all entries was -0.37 (SD=0.42), indicating that discussions about Instagram usage tended toward negative emotional valence.

    “The mean sentiment score across all entries was -0.37 (SD=0.42),indicating that discussions about Instagram usage tended toward negative emotional valence.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: User-generated Reddit entries accurately reflect users' Instagram usage patterns and addiction experiences.
    • Rests on an assumption: Sentiment analysis scores accurately measure the emotional valence of Reddit entries about Instagram.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The behavioral manifestations identified in the study directly correlate with established addiction frameworks, with compulsive checking showing the strongest alignment with behavioral addiction criteria (r=0.74, p<0.001).

    “The behavioral manifestations identified in our study directly correlate with established addiction frameworks, with compulsive checking showing the strongest alignment with behavioral addiction criteria (r=0.74,p<0.001).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: User-generated Reddit entries accurately reflect users' Instagram usage patterns and addiction experiences.
    • Rests on an assumption: Thematic coding categories reliably capture addiction-related themes in the Reddit entries.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Analysis of the Instagram-related content (N=28434) revealed a predominant negative sentiment pattern, with 61.4% of entries classified as negative, 24.8% as positive, and 13.8% as neutral.

    “Analysis of the Instagram-related content (N=28434) revealed a predominant negative sentiment pattern, with 61.4% of entries classified as negative, 24.8% as positive, and 13.8% as neutral.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: User-generated Reddit entries accurately reflect users' Instagram usage patterns and addiction experiences.
    • Rests on an assumption: Sentiment analysis scores accurately measure the emotional valence of Reddit entries about Instagram.

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    Users reporting daily usage exceeding 3 hours were more likely to describe all four primary addiction themes in their content (OR=2.45, 95% CI [1.87, 3.22]).

    “Usage Intensity: Users reporting daily usage exceeding 3 hours were more likely to describe all four primary addiction themes in their content (OR=2.45,95% CI [1.87,”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: User-generated Reddit entries accurately reflect users' Instagram usage patterns and addiction experiences.
    • Rests on an assumption: Thematic coding categories reliably capture addiction-related themes in the Reddit entries.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Platform-driven addiction mechanisms constituted 36.6% of all identified themes (n=10406), with infinite scroll design being the most prominent.

    “Platform-driven addiction mechanisms constituted 36.6% of all identified themes (n=10406), with infinite scroll design being the most prominent”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: User-generated Reddit entries accurately reflect users' Instagram usage patterns and addiction experiences.
    • Rests on an assumption: Thematic coding categories reliably capture addiction-related themes in the Reddit entries.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Within the platform design category, Infinite Scroll Design was a subtheme (n=2039, 19.6%), and users frequently described losing track of time due to the endless nature of content presentation.

    “1. Infinite Scroll Design (n=2039, 19.6%): Users frequently described losing track of time due to the endless nature of content presentation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: User-generated Reddit entries accurately reflect users' Instagram usage patterns and addiction experiences.
    • Rests on an assumption: Thematic coding categories reliably capture addiction-related themes in the Reddit entries.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The identified patterns align with Griffiths' (2005) addiction components, particularly salience (compulsive checking, n=598, 9.4%) and tolerance (requiring increased usage for satisfaction).

    “These patterns align with Griffiths' (2005) addiction components, particularly salience (compulsive checking, n=598, 9.4%) and tolerance (requiring increased usage for satisfaction).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Griffiths' (2005) source
    • Rests on an assumption: User-generated Reddit entries accurately reflect users' Instagram usage patterns and addiction experiences.
    • Rests on an assumption: Thematic coding categories reliably capture addiction-related themes in the Reddit entries.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    App removal showed high initial success but frequent relapse.

    “Traditional approaches showed limited success: time limitation tools (mean effectiveness 3.2/5), app removal (high initial success but frequent relapse), and notification management (3.4/5).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Notification management was mentioned in n=153, 19.0% of interventions, with mean rating 3.4/5.

    “Notification Management (n=153, 19.0%): Disabling notifications showed moderate effectiveness (mean rating=3.4/5)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The thematic analysis identified key themes including compulsive checking behaviors, time distortion, social validation seeking, anxiety when disconnected, social comparison, and content overconsumption.

    “Key themes identified included:  Compulsive checking behaviors  Time distortion while using the app  Social validation seeking  Anxiety when disconnected  Social comparison  Content overconsumption”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The analysis revealed four primary behavioral patterns that strongly correlate with established addiction frameworks: platform-driven addiction mechanisms (36.6%), psychological response patterns (29.4%), behavioral manifestations (22.4%), and health/wellbeing impacts (11.6%).

    “First, our analysis revealed four primary behavioral patterns that strongly correlate with established addiction frameworks: platform-driven addiction mechanisms (36.6%), psychological response patterns (29.4%), behavioral manifestations (22.4%), and health/wellbeing impacts (11.6%).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The themes identified from Reddit posts are indicative of Instagram addiction.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    App removal was mentioned in n=216, 26.8% of interventions, showing high initial effectiveness but high relapse rates.

    “App Removal (n=216, 26.8%): Complete removal showed high initial effectiveness but high relapse rates”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Mindfulness practices were mentioned in n=136, 16.9% of interventions, with mean rating 4.1/5.

    “Mindfulness Practices (n=136, 16.9%):These were associated with the highest reported effectiveness (mean rating=4.1/5)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The analysis confirmed that younger users (ages 16-24) are particularly susceptible to Instagram's addictive effects, showing significantly higher rates of social comparison behaviors and validation-seeking patterns.

    “Our analysis confirmed that younger users (ages 16-24) are particularly susceptible to Instagram's addictive effects, showing significantly higher rates of social comparison behaviors and validation-seeking patterns.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: User-generated Reddit entries accurately reflect users' Instagram usage patterns and addiction experiences.
    • Rests on an assumption: Thematic coding categories reliably capture addiction-related themes in the Reddit entries.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Intervention effectiveness analysis revealed that mindfulness-based approaches (4.1/5 effectiveness) significantly outperformed traditional technical solutions like screen time limits (3.2/5) and app removal strategies.

    “Third, our intervention effectiveness analysis revealed that mindfulness-based approaches (4.1/5 effectiveness) significantly outperformed traditional technical solutions like screen time limits (3.2/5) and app removal strategies.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Users' self-reported effectiveness ratings of interventions are valid measures of intervention effectiveness.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Time limitation tools were mentioned in n=301, 37.3% of interventions, with mean effectiveness rating 3.2/5.

    “Time Limitation Tools (n=301, 37.3% of interventions): These were reported as moderately effective (mean effectiveness rating=3.2/5)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Instagram addiction is characterized by compulsive use, emotional dependence on social validation, and distorted perceptions of time, leading to negative psychological outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

    “Instagram addiction is characterized by compulsive use, emotional dependence on social validation, and distorted perceptions of time, leading to negative psychological outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem (Sarialioğlu & Oluç 2024).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Sarialioğlu & Oluç 2024

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Lower self-esteem, depression, and a compulsive need for validation through likes and comments are particularly evident among younger Instagram users.

    “Additionally, lower self-esteem, depression, and a compulsive need for validation through likes and comments have been particularly evident among younger users, who are navigating the challenges of identity formation (Albery et al. 2025).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Albery et al. 2025 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Instagram's feedback mechanisms can foster narcissistic tendencies, which are associated with increased emotional instability and greater susceptibility to mood disorders.

    “The platform's feedback mechanisms can foster narcissistic tendencies, which are associated with increased emotional instability and greater susceptibility to mood disorders (Rogier et al. 2024).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Rogier et al. 2024 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Instagram users simultaneously derive pleasure from Instagram's infinite scroll feature while experiencing distress from their inability to control engagement with it (the Scrolling Paradox).

    “This study centers on what we term the 'Scrolling Paradox' -the contradictory phenomenon where users simultaneously derive pleasure from Instagram's infinite scroll feature while experiencing distress from their inability to control their engagement with it.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The study's findings extend previous research by showing how Instagram's real-time features specifically amplify FOMO through the endless scroll mechanism, creating what users describe as an inability to reach a natural stopping point.

    “Our findings extend this by showing how Instagram's real-time features specifically amplify FOMO through the endless scroll mechanism, creating what users describe as an inability to reach a 'natural stopping point.'”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The purposive sampling of selected subreddits represents a significant limitation, and results should be interpreted cautiously regarding demographic generalizations.

    “This represents a significant limitation, and results should be interpreted cautiously regarding demographic generalizations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Constant engagement with Instagram leads to time distortion, where users lose track of hours spent on Instagram, and compulsive checking, which can significantly interfere with daily activities.

    “The constant engagement with the platform leads to time distortion, where users lose track of hours spent on Instagram without realizing the passage of time, as well as compulsive checking, which can significantly interfere with daily activities (Ye et al. 2025).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ye et al. 2025

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Privacy concerns and online self-disclosure contribute to the development of Instagram addiction, particularly among adolescents and young adults who may not fully grasp the long-term consequences of sharing personal content online.

    “Concerns over privacy and online self-disclosure also contribute to the development of Instagram addiction, particularly among adolescents and young adults who may not fully grasp the long-term consequences of sharing personal content online.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Sarialioğlu & Oluç 2024

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The Scrolling Paradox emerged as a central theme, with 19.6% of platform-driven themes specifically relating to infinite scroll design, providing empirical support for theoretical concerns about persuasive design in social media platforms.

    “The Scrolling Paradox emerged as a central theme, with 19.6% of platformdriven themes specifically relating to infinite scroll design -a finding that provides empirical support for theoretical concerns about persuasive design in social media platforms.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    This finding challenges the current dominant approach of screen time management tools and supports theoretical frameworks suggesting that addiction interventions must address underlying psychological mechanisms rather than just limiting access.

    “This finding challenges the current dominant approach of screen time management tools and supports theoretical frameworks suggesting that addiction interventions must address underlying psychological mechanisms rather than just limiting access (Kanabar, 2025).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kanabar, 2025 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Ponnusamy et al. (2020) found negative relationships between Instagram addiction and academic performance, and positive correlations with shyness and loneliness.

    “Ponnusamy et al. (2020) similarly found negative relationships between Instagram addiction and academic performance, while reporting positive correlations with shyness and loneliness.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ponnusamy et al. (2020) source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The study's findings extend previous research by quantifying the emotional valence of user experiences and identifying the specific mechanisms driving negative outcomes.

    “Our findings extend this by quantifying the emotional valence of user experiences and identifying the specific mechanisms driving these negative outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Many users report using Instagram late into the night, which interferes with sleep quality and leads to daytime fatigue.

    “Many users report using Instagram late into the night, which interferes with sleep quality and leads to daytime fatigue.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Sun et al. 2024 source
    • cites Zhou et al. 2024 source
    • cites Demirci et al. 2023 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationown data

    The study's intervention effectiveness findings reveal a critical gap that previous research has not adequately addressed.

    “Our intervention effectiveness findings reveal a critical gap that previous research has not adequately addressed.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    This awareness paradoxically coexists with continued compulsive use, further illustrating the Scrolling Paradox where knowledge of the mechanism does not translate to behavioral control.

    “This awareness paradoxically coexists with continued compulsive use, further illustrating the Scrolling Paradox where knowledge of the mechanism does not translate to behavioral control.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Some users report temporary relief from time-limiting tools, but relapses are common unless the underlying psychological mechanisms such as the pursuit of social validation and emotional gratification are directly addressed.

    “While some users report temporary relief from using time-limiting tools, relapses are common unless the underlying psychological mechanisms such as the pursuit of social validation and emotional gratification are directly addressed (Kanabar 2025).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kanabar 2025 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    Sentiment labels were cross-checked through inter-rater reliability assessment involving two independent coders, with Cohen's κ = 0.78.

    “Content verification: Cross-checking of sentiment labels through inter-rater reliability assessment involving two independent coders (Cohen's κ = 0.78)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The study provides comprehensive empirical evidence for the Scrolling Paradox phenomenon, demonstrating how Instagram's infinite scroll design simultaneously attracts users while trapping them in compulsive usage patterns.

    “This study provides comprehensive empirical evidence for the Scrolling Paradox phenomenon, demonstrating how Instagram's infinite scroll design simultaneously attracts users while trapping them in compulsive usage patterns.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Reddit posts and comments are a valid source for studying Instagram addiction experiences.
    • Rests on an assumption: The themes identified from Reddit posts are indicative of Instagram addiction.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The coding framework was developed iteratively, with initial codes derived from existing addiction literature and refined through constant comparative analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes related to Instagram addiction.

    “The coding framework was developed iteratively, with initial codes derived from existing addiction literature and refined through constant comparative analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes related to Instagram addiction.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The analysis relied on publicly shared content from Reddit, which may not fully capture private experiences or perspectives from users who do not discuss their Instagram usage online.

    “The analysis relied on publicly shared content from Reddit, which may not fully capture private experiences or perspectives from users who do not discuss their Instagram usage online.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This represents a novel contribution to addiction theory, showing how digital platform design creates unique psychological traps that differ from substance-based or traditional behavioral addictions.

    “This represents a novel contribution to addiction theory, showing how digital platform design creates unique psychological traps that differ from substance-based or traditional behavioral addictions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The study's findings provide substantial evidence for the Scrolling Paradox phenomenon, where Instagram's infinite scroll feature simultaneously serves as both the primary attraction and the central problem in addictive usage patterns.

    “This study's findings provide substantial evidence for the Scrolling Paradox phenomenon, where Instagram's infinite scroll feature simultaneously serves as both the primary attraction and the central problem in addictive usage patterns.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Reddit posts and comments are a valid source for studying Instagram addiction experiences.
    • Rests on an assumption: The themes identified from Reddit posts are indicative of Instagram addiction.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Manual review of a random sample of 500 entries was used to validate automated keyword matching.

    “Relevance filtering: Manual review of a random sample (n=500) to validate automated keyword matching”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Two independent coders classified a random sample of 500 entries for demographic characteristics, achieving inter-rater reliability of κ = 0.72 for age classification and κ = 0.68 for user type classification.

    “Two independent coders classified a random sample of 500 entries for demographic characteristics, achieving inter-rater reliability of κ = 0.72 for age classification and κ = 0.68 for user type classification.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The superior effectiveness of mindfulness-based approaches indicates that promoting emotional awareness and self-regulation offers more sustainable solutions for managing Instagram addiction.

    “The superior effectiveness of mindfulness-based approaches indicates that promoting emotional awareness and self-regulation offers more sustainable solutions for managing Instagram addiction.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The combination of VADER's social media-optimized lexicon and manual validation ensured robust sentiment classification suitable for analyzing informal user-generated content about Instagram experiences.

    “The combination of VADER's social media-optimized lexicon and manual validation ensured robust sentiment classification suitable for analyzing informal user-generated content about Instagram experiences.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Demographic information was limited due to platform anonymity.

    “Additionally, sentiment analysis has inherent limitations in detecting subtle emotional nuances, and demographic information was limited due to platform anonymity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    A random sample of 1,000 entries was manually coded by two independent researchers to validate automated sentiment classifications, with inter-rater reliability κ = 0.81.

    “Manual Validation: A random sample of 1,000 entries was manually coded by two independent researchers to validate automated classifications (inter-rater reliability κ = 0.81)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Sentiment analysis has inherent limitations in detecting subtle emotional nuances.

    “Additionally, sentiment analysis has inherent limitations in detecting subtle emotional nuances, and demographic information was limited due to platform anonymity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
50 of 50

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Reddit's anonymous posting environment encourages honest self-disclosure about personal experiences, making it a suitable data source for studying Instagram addiction.

    “Reddit was chosen due to its diverse user base, anonymous posting environment that encourages honest self-disclosure, and active communities discussing social media addiction and mental health topics.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Reddit has a diverse user base and active communities discussing social media addiction and mental health topics.

    “Reddit was chosen due to its diverse user base, anonymous posting environment that encourages honest self-disclosure, and active communities discussing social media addiction and mental health topics.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    User-generated Reddit entries accurately reflect users' Instagram usage patterns and addiction experiences.

    “Data was systematically collected from Reddit, a popular social media platform known for authentic user discussions about personal experiences.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Sentiment analysis scores accurately measure the emotional valence of Reddit entries about Instagram.

    “We utilized thematic analysis paired with quantitative sentiment scoring to identify addiction patterns, contributing factors, and user experiences related to Instagram usage.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Thematic coding categories reliably capture addiction-related themes in the Reddit entries.

    “We conducted thematic analysis of the textual data following Braun and Clarke's (2006) sixphase approach: (1) familiarization with the data through repeated reading, (2) generating initial codes systematically across the dataset, (3) searching for themes by collating codes into potential themes, (4) reviewing themes to ensure they work in relation to coded extracts and the entire dataset, (5) defin”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Reported intervention effectiveness in Reddit entries reflects the actual effectiveness of those interventions.

    “Content referencing specific intervention strategies was coded and analyzed for reported effectiveness:”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Reddit posts and comments are a valid source for studying Instagram addiction experiences.

    “Reddit's API and web scraping techniques, we collected posts and comments containing Instagram-related keywords and phrases.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The themes identified from Reddit posts are indicative of Instagram addiction.

    “The coding framework was developed iteratively, with initial codes derived from existing addiction literature and refined through constant comparative analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes related to Instagram addiction.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Users' self-reported effectiveness ratings of interventions are valid measures of intervention effectiveness.

    “Analysis of intervention mentions (n=807, 28.4% of total entries) revealed significant effectiveness variations.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The sample of Reddit entries is representative of Instagram users more broadly.

    “The final dataset comprised 28,434 entries collected between January 2023 and March 2024, providing a temporal scope that captures diverse user experiences across different periods.”
10 of 10

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

  • Intervention mentions are overstated tenfold

    Major

    The 807 entries mentioning attempts to modify Instagram use are 2.84% of the 28,434 entries analyzed, not 28.4%.

    Reported 28.4 · recomputed 2.838152

  • Algorithm-based content percentage uses the wrong denominator

    Minor

    The stated 709 entries are 6.81% of the 10,406 platform-driven addiction mechanisms, not 7.6%. The other platform subtheme percentages use 10,406 as their denominator.

    Reported 7.6 · recomputed 6.813377

2 of 2

Cites

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Authors
Balcıoğlu, Y. S., Bayraktar, Ü., & Güven, E.
Affiliations
  • Doğuş University (TR)
  • Gebze Technical University (TR)
  • Kocaeli Üniversitesi (TR)
ORCID
Venue
İmgelem
Publisher
Bilgitoy Bilgi, Bilim, Eğitim, Araştırma, Geliştirme ve Strateji Association
Published
2025-09-28
Issue
Yeni Medya Çalışmaları
Pages
87-112
ISSN
2602-4446 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.53791/imgelem.1685011
OpenAlex
W4414577951
Semantic Scholar
59d27e1a8f0cbb262c31b07fa2df5ec3abe9b2f3
Cited by
1
References
32
Citations by year
2025: 1
FWCI
1.93
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by-nc
Locations
  • İmgelem (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • DergiPark (Istanbul University) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Computer Science Applications › Digital Media and Philosophy
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Human-Computer Interaction › Innovative Human-Technology Interaction
Keywords
Instagram addiction, infinite scroll, social media addiction, compulsive checking, social comparison, fear of missing out, validation seeking, time distortion, platform design, screen time management, mindfulness-based interventions, user-generated content

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

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Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-10.

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