The uses and abuses of Facebook: A review of Facebook addiction

Background and aims: Recent research suggests that use of social networking sites can be addictive for some individuals. Due to the link between motivations for media use and the development of addiction, this systematic review examines Facebook-related uses and gratifications research and Facebook addiction research. Method: Searches of three large academic databases revealed 24 studies examining the uses and gratifications of Facebook, and nine studies of Facebook addiction. Results: Comparison of uses and gratifications research reveals that the most popular motives for Facebook use are relationship maintenance, passing time, entertainment, and companionship. These motivations may be related to Facebook addiction through use that is habitual, excessive, or motivated by a desire for mood alteration. Examination of Facebook addiction research indicates that Facebook use can become habitual or excessive, and some addicts use the site to escape from negative moods. However, examination of Facebook addiction measures highlights inconsistency in the field. Discussion: There is some evidence to support the argument that uses and gratifications of Facebook are linked with Facebook addiction. Furthermore, it appears as if the social skill model of addiction may explain Facebook addiction, but inconsistency in the measurement of this condition limits the ability to provide conclusive arguments. Conclusions: This paper recommends that further research be performed to establish the links between uses and gratifications and Facebook addiction. Furthermore, in order to enhance the construct validity of Facebook addiction, researchers should take a more systematic approach to assessment

A qualitative exploration of Facebook addiction: Working toward construct validity

Empirical research has emerged that supports the existence of Facebook addiction. However, most studies have methodological limitations. In particular, the assessment of Facebook addiction is often varied and unjustified, which compromises construct validity. The purpose of the current study is to perform a qualitative exploration of Facebook addiction using seven core symptoms of Internet addiction (negative consequences, loss of control, online social enhancement, preoccupation, mood alteration, withdrawal, and excessive use) as a foundation. Participants were 417 self-identified excessive Facebook users (131 male, 286 female) aged between 18 and 80 (X = 31.57, SD = 9.33). All participants were recruited from Facebook and online discussion boards. Data were collected using open-ended online survey questions. Thematic analysis of the responses has provided preliminary support for the existence of seven core symptoms of Internet addiction among excessive Facebook users. This study is among the first to conduct an in-depth qualitative exploration of Facebook addiction using a sample of Facebook users. The findings have helped move Facebook addiction research closer towards construct validity, which will allow for more focused research in this area