Validation of the Social Media Disorder Scale using network analysis in a large representative sample of Czech adolescents

Abstract

BackgroundThe importance of studying the excessive use of social media in adolescents is increasing and so is the need for in-depth evaluations of the psychometric properties of the measurement tools. This study investigated the properties of the Social Media Disorder Scale (SMDS) in a large representative sample of Czech adolescents.MethodsWe analyzed the representative sample of 13,377 Czech adolescents (50.9% boys), 11–16 years old, who participated in the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey (2017–18), using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and network models. Furthermore, we evaluated the measurement invariance and constructed the validity of the SMDS.ResultsWe found support for a single dominant factor but not for strict unidimensionality. Several residual correlations were identified. The strongest were for: problems–conflicts–deceptions; persistence–escape; and preoccupation–tolerance–withdrawal. Girls, particularly 13- and 15-year-olds, scored higher than boys in the same age group, and 13- and 15-year-olds achieved higher scores than 11-year-olds, although some items were not invariant between the groups. The SMDS was positively related to other online activities, screen time, and falling asleep late, but negatively related to well-being and mental health.Discussion and conclusionsThe SMDS showed solid psychometric properties and construct validity. However, small violations of measurement invariance were detected. Furthermore, the network analysis showed important residual relationships between the items.

Screen time and addictive use of gaming and social media in relation to health outcomes

“…To meet the diagnostic criteria for IGD or SMD, a substantial amount of screen time is likely required (Pontes et al, 2022), and the DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) states that individuals with IGD typically devote 8-10 h/day or at least 30 h/ week to gaming. Studies that have examined the association between screen time and addictive use have found support for this association for both gaming (e.g., Männikkö et al, 2015;Bouna-Pyrrou et al, 2018;Jeong et al, 2021;Jin et al, 2022;Jo et al, 2022) and social media (e.g., Bouna-Pyrrou et al, 2018;Guo et al, 2021;Šablatúrová et al, 2022;Tomczyk and Lizde, 2023). However, most previous studies did not measure addictive digital media use based on the nine criteria presented for IGD in the DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).…”