Definition of Terms

Definitions of Terms

Addicted

Exhibiting a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity (Merriam-Webster, n.d.)

Dependent Variable

“What happens as a result of the independent variable” (National Library of Medicine, n.d.). For example, in this current study, the presence or lack of addiction is the dependent variable.

DSM-5

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: authoritative volume that defines and classifies mental disorders in order to improve diagnoses, treatment, and research by hundreds of international experts in all aspects of mental health (American Psychiatric Association, 2021).

Independent Variable

“What we expect will influence dependent variables (National Library of Medicine, n.d.). For example, in this current study, social media is the independent variable.

Social Media Addiction

Social media addiction is a behavioral addiction that is defined by being overly concerned about social media, driven by an uncontrollable urge to log on to or use social media, and devoting so much time and effort to social media that it impairs other important life areas. (Addiction Center, n.d.). Although social media addiction is not yet a classified disorder in the DSM-5, “a key aspect of social media addiction is that individuals do not only use social media more frequently, but may experience distress without it” (Lin et al., 2017, as cited in Larson, 2021, p. 233)

Social Media

Forms of electronic communication. . . through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (such as videos) (Merriam-Webster, n.d.)

Young adult

A person who is in his or her late teenage years or early twenties (Cambridge Dictionary, 2022). For the purpose of this research study the age range has been determined as 18 to 24 years old.