Research found psychological distress leads to extended thinking styles (worry, rumination, and desire thinking), which in turn contribute to problematic social network site use and increased craving for these platforms
Worry and rumination identified as key cognitive factors in addictive social media use
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A study conducted in Italy suggests that extended thinking (i.e., worry, rumination, and thinking about desires) may mediate the relationship between psychological distress and problematic social network use. According to this model, distress predisposes individuals to engage in extended thinking, which, in turn, leads to problematic use of social network sites. The research was published in Addictive Behaviors.
Social network sites (SNSs) are online platforms that allow users to create profiles, connect with others, share content, and engage in social interactions. Popular examples include Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). These platforms facilitate communication, content sharing, and community building, helping individuals maintain and enhance social connections while providing opportunities for self-expression.
However, the use of these platforms can sometimes become problematic. Problematic social network site use refers to excessive or compulsive engagement with these platforms, leading to negative consequences in daily life, such as neglecting responsibilities, social isolation, or mental health issues. This excessive use can diminish mental health, resulting in anxiety, depression, and decreased well-being due to constant comparisons with others or the pressure to maintain a certain online image. Some users may develop addiction-like behaviors, feeling compelled to check social media constantly.
[https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460324000911](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460324000911)
>However, the use of these platforms can sometimes become problematic. Problematic social network site use refers to excessive or compulsive engagement with these platforms, leading to negative consequences in daily life, such as neglecting responsibilities, social isolation, or mental health issues. This excessive use can diminish mental health, resulting in anxiety, depression, and decreased well-being due to constant comparisons with others or the pressure to maintain a certain online image. Some users may develop addiction-like behaviors, feeling compelled to check social media constantly.
This is the type of thinking that made people rebel against Dungeons&Dragons back when reading comic books would ‘rot your brain’.
Definitely not exactly the same, since we have sooo many more data points, but similar.