Special Issues

Causes, Consequences and Interventions for Emerging Social Media Addiction

Submission Deadline: 31 July 2026 (closed) View: 4259 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editor(s)

Dr. Jian-Hong Ye

Email: kimpo30107@hotmail.com

Affiliation: Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, China

Homepage:

Research Interests: Positive Psychology, Internet Addiction, Short Video Addiction, Game Addiction

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Prof. Jon-Chao Hong

Email: hongjc@ntnu.edu.tw

Affiliation: Department of Industrial Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan

Homepage:

Research Interests: Internet Addiction, Game Addiction

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Summary

With the booming development of social media, several emerging social media platforms have become an integral part of people's daily lives. They have not only changed the way we communicate, but have also had a profound impact on our psychological, social and behavioural patterns. However, along with these changes, emerging social media addictions, such as TikTok addiction, short video addiction, Facebook addiction, Instagram addiction, Xiaohongshu addiction, and so on, have gradually emerged and become a focus of attention around the world.


With the rapid development of technology, the functions and algorithms of emerging social media have become more powerful, making the overuse of these emerging social media platforms even more influential than traditional social media. To explore the causes, consequences and effective interventions of emerging social media addiction, we invite experts, scholars and researchers in related fields to contribute to our special issue. Researchers in related fields are welcome to propose new definitions, concepts, theories and perspectives based on the more general phenomenon of emerging social media addiction and to present their research findings. Therefore, in addition to original research articles, we also welcome conceptual and theoretical papers and review articles. We expect your articles to provide original insights and empirical studies that will help us better understand and respond to this phenomenon.

 

The topics for this special issue include (but are not limited to):

1. Conceptualisation and theoretical foundations of emerging social media addiction

2. Assessment methods and tool development for emerging social media addiction.

3. Prevention and treatment methods and interventions for emerging social media addiction

4. Mechanisms and pathways of emerging social media addiction

5. Multidimensional structure and modelling of emerging social media addiction

6. Comparison of emerging social media addiction in different countries/regions

7. Impact of individual differences on emerging social media addiction.

8. A large-scale survey of emerging social media addiction.

 

Special note: In addition to the topic of this special issue, the topic of the manuscript should be in line with the scope of the journal!


Keywords

Emerging social media addiction; Facebook addiction; problematic social media use; short video addiction; social media overuse; TikTok addiction

Published Papers


  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Understanding Social Media Addiction through the S-O-R Framework: The Mediating Roles of Cognitive and Behavioral Paths

    Huimin Yin, Difan Guo
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.28, No.8, 2026, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2026.081018
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Causes, Consequences and Interventions for Emerging Social Media Addiction)
    Abstract Background: While social media enhances information accessibility and connectivity, excessive use has prompted research into social media addiction (SMA). However, pathways linking psychological stimuli to addictive behaviors remain unclear. This study examined how boredom proneness, social comparison, and anxiety relate to SMA through two mechanisms: information overload and social media stalking. Within the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) framework, this research explains how psychological predispositions influence SMA through cognitive and behavioral mechanisms. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 258 active social media participants examined associations between psychological predispositions and SMA. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to examine the hypothesized… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    The Relationship between Cognitive Emotion Regulation and Problematic Social Media Use among Students: A Three Level Meta-Analysis

    Yichi Zhang, Muhammad Syawal Bin Amran, Shahlan bin Surat, Yuxiang Feng
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.28, No.8, 2026, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2026.080791
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Causes, Consequences and Interventions for Emerging Social Media Addiction)
    Abstract Backgrounds: Multiple theoretical models emphasize the role of cognitive emotion regulation (CER) in maladaptive technology-related behaviors, including problematic social media use (PSMU). However, empirical findings regarding on the association between CER and PSMU have been inconsistent. Therefore, the present study aimed to systematically synthesize existing evidence on this relationship and to examine potential moderators using a three-level meta-analytic approach. Methods: To clarify the overall relationship and examine potential moderators, the present study conducted a three-level meta-analysis. A total of 21 primary studies, comprising 22 independent samples (N = 19,648) and 103 effect sizes, were included. Results: The… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Associations of Mentally Active Versus Passive Sedentary Behavior with Smartphone Addiction in Adults

    Abdulaziz A. Masoud
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.28, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2026.078593
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Causes, Consequences and Interventions for Emerging Social Media Addiction)
    Abstract Background: Sedentary behavior (SB) has been linked to problematic smartphone use: however, whether different types of SB differentially relate to smartphone addiction risk remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of smartphone addiction risk and the independent associations of mentally active and mentally passive SB—across total, weekday, and weekend estimates—with smartphone addiction scores among Saudi adults. Methods: This cross-sectional, web-based study recruited adults aged 18–65 years residing in Saudi Arabia through social media platforms. After excluding participants with missing anthropometric data, implausible body mass index (BMI) values, or total SB >24 h/day, 1037 participants… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Social Media Addiction, Use Patterns, and Body Image Perception among Athletes with Physical Disabilities

    Garip Erayabakan, Burak Canpolat
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.28, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2026.076595
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Causes, Consequences and Interventions for Emerging Social Media Addiction)
    Abstract Background: Social media plays an important role in shaping body image and self-perception, particularly among appearance-sensitive groups such as athletes. Although problematic social media use has been linked to body image outcomes through processes such as social comparison, self-presentation, and evaluation sensitivity, these mechanisms remain underexplored among athletes with physical disabilities. This study aimed to examine the associations between social media use, addictive use patterns, and body image perception in this population, with a focus on these underlying psychological mechanisms. Methods: A total of 165 athletes with physical disability participated in this quantitative cross-sectional study. Data… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    The Connection Paradox: How Social Support Facilitates Short Video Addiction and Solitary Well-Being among Older Adults in China

    Yue Cui, Ziqing Yang, Hao Gao
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.28, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.072986
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Causes, Consequences and Interventions for Emerging Social Media Addiction)
    Abstract Background: In the Chinese context, the impact of short video applications on the psychological well-being of older adults is contested. While often examined through a pathological lens of addiction, this perspective may overlook paradoxical, context-dependent positive outcomes. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to challenge the traditional Compensatory Internet Use Theory by proposing and testing a chained mediation model that explores a paradoxical pathway from social support to life satisfaction via problematic social media use. Methods: Data were collected between July and August 2025 via the Credamo online survey platform, yielding 384 valid responses… More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Understanding Adolescent Social Media Use: A Narrative Review of Motivations, Risk Factors, and Mental Health Implications

    Kyung-Hyun Suh, Sung-Jin Chung, Goo-Churl Jeong, Kunho Lee, Ji-Hyun Ryu
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.12, pp. 1829-1845, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.071879
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Causes, Consequences and Interventions for Emerging Social Media Addiction)
    Abstract Background: Adolescents increasingly engage with social media for connection, self-expression, and identity exploration. This growing digital engagement has raised concerns about its potential risks and mental health implications. Methods: This narrative review examines literature on adolescent social media use by exploring underlying motivations, risk and protective factors across personal, environmental, and digital domains, with a focus on mental health outcomes. Results: Individual vulnerabilities—such as low self-esteem, impulsivity, and poor sleep—interact with contextual factors like peer pressure and family conflict to elevate risks. Digital environments shaped by algorithmic feeds, feedback mechanisms, and curated content promote social comparison and More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Specific Internet-Use Disorders among Indonesian College Students: Psychometric Evaluation of the Assessment of Criteria for Specific Internet-Use Disorders (ACSID-11)

    Siti Rahayu Nadhiroh, Ira Nurmala, Iqbal Pramukti, Kamolthip Ruckwongpatr, Laila Wahyuning Tyas, Afina Puspita Zari, Warda Eka Islamiah, Yan-Li Siaw, Marc N. Potenza, Chung-Ying Lin
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.12, pp. 1847-1865, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.072115
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Causes, Consequences and Interventions for Emerging Social Media Addiction)
    Abstract Objectives: Problematic use of the internet (PUI) has been increasingly associated with various mental health issues, highlighting the need for accurate assessment tools. The Assessment of Criteria for Specific Internet-use Disorder (ACSID-11) is a validated psychometric instrument designed to measure distinct forms of PUI across multiple online activities. However, its applicability and validity have not yet been established within the Indonesian context. Therefore, this study aimed to translate and validate the ACSID-11 for use among Indonesian populations. Methods: The translation procedure of the ACSID-11 involved forward translation, back translation, and expert panel discussions. This research involved… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Determining Dynamic Influence of Human and Machine System on Live-Streaming Addiction: Critical Mediating Mechanisms of Emotional and Functional Attachment

    Hua Pang, Xiaoyi Jin
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.11, pp. 1709-1728, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.070803
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Causes, Consequences and Interventions for Emerging Social Media Addiction)
    Abstract Background: Live streaming has become a globally prevalent form of digital entertainment, particularly among young audiences, fostering new modes of online engagement through real-time interaction. However, excessive use may lead to addictive behaviors in certain users. Current research on live-streaming addiction remains limited, with prior studies focusing primarily on socio-psychological drivers rather than the role of technological affordances. To address this gap, this study develops a conceptual model based on socio-technical systems and attachment theory to investigate how emotional and functional attachment mediate the relationship between platform features and addictive behavior. Methods: A total of 533… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Relationship between Chinese Medical Students’ Perceived Stress and Short-Form Video Addiction: A Perspective Based on the Multiple Theoretical Frameworks

    Zhi-Yun Zhang, Yaqiong Wu, Chenshi Deng, Peng Wang, Weiguaju Nong
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.10, pp. 1533-1551, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.070883
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Causes, Consequences and Interventions for Emerging Social Media Addiction)
    Abstract Objectives: Medical students often rely on recreational internet media to relieve the stress caused by immense academic and life pressures, and among these media, short-form videos, which are an emerging digital medium, have gradually become the mainstream choice of students to relieve their stress. However, the addiction caused by their usage has attracted the widespread attention of both academia and society, which is why the purpose of this study is to systematically explore the underlying mechanisms that link perceived stress, entertainment gratification, emotional gratification, short-form video usage intensity, and short-form video addiction based on multiple… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Relationship between Dark Personality Traits and TikTok Addiction among Chinese College Students: The Mediating Role of Social Ostracism

    Shijie Li, Yongliang Wang
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.9, pp. 1335-1351, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.067246
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Causes, Consequences and Interventions for Emerging Social Media Addiction)
    Abstract Background: Recent years have witnessed the rapid rise of TikTok, a short-video social platform, which has sparked concerns about its potential for misuse and addiction. TikTok addiction has been associated with various psychological and social issues. This study aims to explore the mediating role of social ostracism in the relationship between the Dark Triad (Machiavellianism, Psychopathy, and Narcissism) and TikTok addiction. Methods: Data were collected from 425 Chinese college students through convenience sampling, using three validated scales: the Dirty Dozen, the Social Ostracism Scale, and the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Social Media Addiction, Perceived Social Support, Sleep Disorder, and Job Performance in Healthcare Professionals: Testing a Moderated Mediation Model

    Alican Kaya, Emre Seyrek, Abdulselami Sarıgül, Mehmet Şata, Juan Gómez-Salgado, Murat Yıldırım
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.8, pp. 1149-1163, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.067388
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Causes, Consequences and Interventions for Emerging Social Media Addiction)
    Abstract Background: Social media addiction, one of the behavioural addictions, is a significant predictor of job performance. It has also been posited that individuals whose fundamental requirements (e.g., sleep) are not sufficiently met and who lack adequate support (e.g., perceived social support) are incapable of effectively harnessing their potential. The primary objective of this study is to examine the mediating effects of sleep disorder and perceived social support on the relationship between social media addiction and job performance. Furthermore, it seeks to explore the moderating effects of perceived social support on sleep disorders and job performance.… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    The Relationship between TikTok (Douyin) Addiction and Social and Emotional Learning: Evidence from a Survey of Chinese Vocational College Students

    Jian-Hong Ye, Yongjian Wang, Weiguaju Nong, Jhen-Ni Ye, Yuting Cui
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.7, pp. 995-1012, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.066326
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Causes, Consequences and Interventions for Emerging Social Media Addiction)
    Abstract Objectives: The addiction of the student population to short-form video platforms such as TikTok (Douyin) is becoming increasingly apparent and is rapidly expanding. This emerging addiction is also believed to have negative impacts on students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being. Consequently, video addiction has become an important public health issue on campuses around the world. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between two types of TikTok addiction (video and live streaming) and social and emotional learning (SEL), including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Methods: Previous research has indicated that… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Digital Distraction or Creative Catalyst? Parental Smartphone Use and Adolescent Creativity among Chinese Vocational Students

    Min Qu, Xiumei Chen, Yue Zhou, Xuelian Wang, I-Hua Chen
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.7, pp. 1029-1044, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.065876
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Causes, Consequences and Interventions for Emerging Social Media Addiction)
    Abstract Background: Despite growing research on parental technology use and its impacts on adolescent development, the influence of parental smartphone behavior on creativity remains understudied. This study addresses this gap by examining how parental phubbing affects adolescent creativity, exploring both direct and indirect pathways through creative self-efficacy as a mediator and problematic smartphone use (PSU) as a moderator. Methods: A total of 9111 Chinese vocational school adolescents (60.3% male; mean age = 16.88 years) were recruited via convenience sampling. Participants completed validated self-report questionnaires assessing creativity, parental phubbing, creative self-efficacy, and PSU. A moderated mediation model… More >

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