Literature Review: Theories and Models in Social Media Addiction

Theories and Models in Social Media Addiction

Sun and Zhang (2021) explore the models and theories that researchers have attributed to social media addiction over time (p. 1). This review questions what theories and models have been used in existing studies to explain the development of SMA, and what purpose they each serve.

Sun and Zhang (2021) use 55 empirical studies on social media addiction and analyze 25 common theories and models found throughout. The review aids future research by clearly defining the concepts existing studies have used concerning SMA. The review provides a better understanding of SMA, but there is more information to be collected on how these models and theories explain the SMA phenomena (Sun & Zhang, 2021).

Table 1, found in the research article, categorizes the summarized models and theories with their corresponding variables, studies, and sources (Sun & Zhang, 2021). The data from the survey, interviews, and screen time logs of this study were compared to the examples in Sun and Zhang’s review to collect common themes and patterns in the results section.

Though the review itself does not conduct primary research, it examines previous empirical studies and observations. The review categorizes the models and theories based on their relation to the dependent variables found. It is important to mention that some theories and models mentioned are relevant to a variety of perspectives and categorizing them under single structures may be a limitation on the focus construct (Sun & Zhang, 2021). The categories included in the review are: Dispositional difference perspective, Motivational Perspective, Neurobiological Perspective, Decision-Making Perspective, Learning Perspective, Technology Use Focused, Social Network Focused, and Internet Specific Models.

The final sample of the review consists of 55 articles which were screened to include studies that have been peer-reviewed and written in English, focus on the development of SMA and related factors, and apply existing theories and models that enhance future research design. Exclusion from the review’s data search happened when, 1) the study adopted a theoretical framework only to measure SMA, 2) the study did not include any key concepts/constructs from the theories/models they draw upon, and 3) addictive social media use was examined as an independent variable only to predict other concepts (Sun & Zhang, 2021, p. 2). The samples found were used to collect and categorize data, Sun and Zhang (2021) used this collection of research to build the review and table for future researchers to use as a reference guide of common models and theories along with the corresponding variables and studies.

The result of this review is a reference guide for future researchers, including this research team, to use in studies on SMA. Its extensive examination of the theories and models of SMA will aid future research in conceptualizing the phenomenon and its effects on those dealing with these behavioural addiction symptoms. The diversity of perspectives mentioned in the review only begins to explain the complexity of SMA, but a better theoretical understanding of this problematic use is required before intervention (Sun & Zhang, 2021). This current study uses the models and theories provided to support the evidence collected in the surveys, screen time logs, and interviews to conclude interpretive and causal claims of social media addiction and its variables in the psychological condition.