Social Media Addiction and its Associated Factors Among High School Adolescents in Türkiye

The widespread use of social media among adolescents has raised concerns about social media addiction and its potential impact on psychological well-being. This study aimed to examine social media addiction and its associated factors, including subjective happiness, among high school students. This cross-sectional study was conducted between February and April 2025 among 858 high school students using a cluster sampling design. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire including the Social Media Addiction Scale for Adolescents (SMAS-A) and the Subjective Happiness Scale. Non-parametric tests, multiple linear regression analysis, and Spearman correlation analysis were performed. The mean SMAS-A score was 20.8 ± 7.1, indicating a moderate level of social media addiction. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that earlier age of social media initiation, longer daily social media use, poorer friendship relationships, and lower subjective happiness were significant predictors of higher social media addiction scores, whereas female gender was associated with lower addiction levels. A weak but significant negative correlation was observed between social media addiction and subjective happiness. In conclusion, social media addiction among high school students was influenced by both behavioural and psychosocial factors. Interventions addressing excessive social media use and supporting adolescents' well-being may help reduce addiction risk.