Motivational profiles in problematic social media use: a latent profile analysis

Abstract Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU), an experience associated with symptoms replicable to those of addiction, has become increasingly prevalent worldwide. Previous literature suggested that social media subgroups convey varying risks with PSMU behaviours. Theoretically prompted by the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), this study aimed to (i) identify homogenous profiles of users based on their amotivation, external regulation, identified regulation and intrinsic motivation; (ii) examine the differences in levels of PSMU amongst motivational profiles and (iii) investigate potential differences in PSMU levels for different motivation styles. 276 social media users (18–62 years, M age = 31.90, SD = 9.94) were assessed using the Situational Motivation Scale (SIMS) and the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) at three-time points, one year apart. Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified two motivational profiles: the ‘Low-Risk Motivation’ (LRM; 77.2%) and the ‘High-Risk Motivation’ profile (HRM; 22.8%). As hypothesised, the HRM profile exhibited higher levels of PSMU across waves. However, PSMU levels did not increase across waves. Findings suggest that users endorsing higher levels of amotivation and external regulation (i.e., HRM) convey a greater prevalence of developing PSMU behaviours. Findings indicate that PSMU may pertain as a maladaptive coping mechanism to manage psychosocial deficiencies. As such, these findings provide significant implications for the intervention, prevention and treatment of PSMU.