THE IMPORTANCE OF COPING STRATEGIES IN PROBLEMATIC USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

In the digital age, social media platforms have become integral to daily life, offering unprecedented opportunities for communication, self-expression, and community engagement. However, the excessive and compulsive use of social media, known as Problematic Use of Social Media (PUSM), has emerged as a significant public health concern. This thesis explores the clinical characteristics, epidemiology, and psychobiological mechanisms of PUSM, emphasizing the importance of coping strategies in understanding and addressing this phenomenon. The thesis begins by identifying the clinical features of PUSM, such as excessive time spent, preoccupation, loss of control, negative consequences, and withdrawal symptoms. It discusses the challenges in diagnosing PUSM, highlighting the need for standardized assessment tools like the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and the Problematic Facebook Use Scale (PFUS). The epidemiology section examines the prevalence of PUSM across different populations, noting higher rates among adolescents and young adults, and explores its comorbidity with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Psychobiological mechanisms underlying PUSM are scrutinized, focusing on reward processing, social comparison, escapism, and fear of missing out (FOMO), as well as neuroplasticity, HPA axis dysregulation, and sleep disturbances. The cognitive and affective mechanisms section delves into attentional bias, cognitive biases, impaired decision-making, emotional regulation, and emotional contagion. By elucidating the complex interplay of psychological and biological factors that contribute to PUSM, this thesis aims to inform the development of targeted interventions and preventive strategies. It emphasizes the role of adaptive coping strategies in mitigating the negative impact of PUSM and promoting healthier social media usage patterns, ultimately enhancing individuals' well-being and quality of life.