Social media addiction and individual differences: The role of Big-Five Personality Traits, Behavioral Inhibition/Activation Systems and Loneliness

The present study focuses on a new specific form of addiction related to social network sites (SNSs). SNSs addicted people spent a considerable part of their day-life to SNSs, with a serious impact on their health. The present study deepens the association between Big-Five personality traits and behavioral inhibitions and activation systems with SNSs addiction. Furthermore, it was studied the role of SNSs addiction in mediating the association between perceived loneliness and internet addiction. The study sample consisted of 580 Italian SNSs users who filled an on-line self-report questionnaire. Regression analysis revealed that conscientiousness was negatively associated with SNSs addiction, while the behavioral inhibition system and the sensitivity to fun-seeking rewards were positively associated with SNSs addiction. Mediational analysis revealed that loneliness was indirectly associated with internet addiction via SNSs addiction. High consciousness people are organized and proactive tending to avoid the abuse of SNSs that could interfere with their goals.