Problematic Social Media Use: Terminology, Prevalence, Psychosocial and Somatic Comorbidity

Objective. The research is aimed at analyzing of the problems associated with the terminology and diagnosis of problematic social media use (PSMU) in adolescents, and summarizing data on its prevalence, psychosocial and somatic comorbidity.
Background. The last decades are characterized by the rapid introduction of the Internet into everyday life. Uncontrolled use of social media leading to negative consequences is considered PSMU. According to the modern biopsychosocial model, its formation is based on a combination of biological, psychological and social factors. Among the negative consequences of PSMU, according to data from both domestic and foreign researchers, a wide range of psychosocial and psychosomatic problems are identified.
Conclusions. A literature review shows that PSMU affects a significant proportion of the population (7-26% – depending on measurement methodology and geographical and cultural factors) with a predominance in collectivist societies and in females. To diagnose this pathology, the European research group “European network for problematic usage of the Internet” suggests using the Social Media Disorder Scale (SMDS) questionnaire, which has shown high validity and reliability. Personal characteristics such as narcissism, neuroticism, impulsivity, low self-control, low self-esteem, and fear of missing out are considered risk factors for PSMU. Comorbidity of PSMU with anxiety-depressive disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social phobia, aggressive behavior, loneliness and suicidal ideation has been established. The association of PSMU with sleep disorders and somatic complaints (chronic pain syndromes, decreased immunity) has been shown. However, most studies have been conducted abroad and focus on generalized Internet addiction (excluding content consumed). In addition, there is insufficient data on the psychosomatic comorbidity of PSMU, especially in adolescents, which indicates the high relevance of such studies.

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