Understanding problematic TikTok use: Cognitive absorption, nomophobia, and life stress

This study investigates the problematic use of TikTok by examining the roles of cognitive absorption, nomophobia, and life stress. While previous research has emphasized emotional factors such as stress and anxiety, this study highlights the significance of immersive user experiences. Cognitive absorption is conceptualized as a second-order construct comprising focused immersion, temporal dissociation, heightened enjoyment, and curiosity. Data were collected from 479 daily TikTok users and analyzed using component-based structural equation modeling. Results show that cognitive absorption is the strongest predictor of problematic use, followed by nomophobia and life stress. Additionally, life stress significantly predicts nomophobia. These findings suggest that optimal user experiences - not just emotional distress - can contribute to problematic app engagement. The study offers new insights into the dual nature of cognitive absorption and emphasizes the need for digital well-being strategies, particularly for younger users.