Examining problematic instagram use in terms of various variables: Uşak province example

Abstract

Concerns such as being liked, approved, and visible on social media may create a basis for the development of mental health problems among users. In this context, social media can lead to addiction, influencing daily life and shaping personal identities according to online dynamics. This study examines problematic social media use through the example of Instagram, focusing on various variables within a sample from Uşak province. It addresses the individual and societal outcomes of social media use by considering duration and frequency of use, as well as emotional reactions when access is restricted. The aim of the study is to contribute to understanding the psychological and social impacts of social media and to identify the dimensions of digital addiction on a scientific basis. The significance lies in raising academic and public awareness regarding the effects of an increasingly digitalized social structure on individuals, while also providing region-based evaluations specific to Uşak. Most participants are young, female, and high school graduates. They use Instagram for an average of 3–4 hours per day, a duration considered within the risky range for social media addiction. Entertainment and the desire for popularity or social approval are the dominant motivations for use. This indicates that young people view social media both as a means of passing time and as a tool for gaining recognition. Participants exhibit problematic behavioral patterns close to addiction, particularly difficulty controlling usage time and experiencing negative emotions when access is limited. Keywords: Instagram, Problematic social media use, Social media addiction, Uşak Province.