Determining an optimal cut-off point for TikTok addiction using the TikTok Addiction Scale

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To identify an optimal cut-off point for the TikTok Addiction Scale (TTAS). METHOD We performed a cross-sectional with a convenience sample. We collected our data in Greece during July 2024. We used a sample of TikTok users among the general population. We employed the Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis to identify an optimal cut-off point for the TTAS by using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) as external criterions. We used the suggested cut-off points from the literature to develop dichotomous variables for BSMAS and PHQ-4. RESULTS We found a significant predictive power of TTAS for social media addiction, anxiety, and depression. We found that the best cut-off point for the TTAS is 3.23 (p-value < 0.001, Youden’s index = 0.72). In that case, the area under the curve was 0.91 (95% confidence interval = 0.86 - 0.97). Sensitivity and specificity of the TTAS were 0.76 and 0.96 respectively. Thus, mean TTAS score ≥3.23 suggested TikTok use disorder, while mean score from 1.00 to 3.22 suggested healthy users. The positive predictive value of the TTAS was 0.61, while the negative predictive value 0.98. CONCLUSIONS The best cut-off point for the TTAS was 3.23. TikTok users with mean TTAS score ≥3.23 should be further examined by mental health professionals. Further research should be conducted to validate our results.