Telematics and Informatics Reports (Dec 2022)
Facebook addiction user risk profiles among college students: Identification of subclasses of addictive behaviors characterized by demographics and covariates using latent profile analysis
Abstract
Previous studies and theoretical assumptions suggest a heterogeneity among users at risk of Facebook addiction, similar to other behavioral addictions. These studies, which took a variable-centered approach showed varied relationships between psychological factors, personality traits and motives with addiction indicators. This study aimed to take a person-centered approach that focused on investigating profiles of Facebook addiction indicators and the associated level and importance of Griffiths’ six core components of addiction as measured by the Bergen Facebook addiction scale. Further, the predictive power associated with loneliness, self-esteem, the Big Five personality traits and gratifications sought related to the identification of Facebook addiction risk level were also assessed. Data were collected from 611 college students using a self-administered online questionnaire. The data were analyzed using latent profile analysis (LPA), ANOVAs, pairwise comparisons and decision trees. The LPA identified three latent classes of Facebook behavior, namely ‘high-risk’, ‘low risk’ and ‘no risk’. The prevalence of ‘high-risk’ users was 8.5%, which was predominantly females (88%). All six of the core components of addiction were found to contribute to classification of users within the three classes. Additionally, sex, age, agreeableness, loneliness and all five forms of gratification sought had a significant positive relation to Facebook addiction. While self-esteem had a significant negative relationship with Facebook addiction. Further, according to the decision tree analyses and pairwise comparisons of the classes the criteria of tolerance and mood modification, and the covariates of loneliness and self-esteem showed the highest predictive powers. The study concluded that tolerance and mood modification are the most relevant criteria in the diagnosis of Facebook addiction. Further, emotional support and escapism are likely critical underlying factors in conversion to Facebook addiction.
