Meta-analysis of reliability and validity of the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS)

Bottaro, R, Griffiths, MD ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8880-6524 and Faraci, P, 2025. Meta-analysis of reliability and validity of the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS). International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. ISSN 1557-1874

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Abstract

The present meta-analysis reviewed and summarized the psychometric properties of the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), the most widely used tool for assessing social media addiction (SMA) in research and clinical practice. Following the PRISMA 2020 Statement guidelines, seven databases (PubMed, PsycArticles, PsycInfo, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Medline, Wiley Online Library, and Web of Science) were searched for studies reporting the dimensionality, item characteristics, reliability, and validity of the BSMAS. A total of 28 studies (N = 62,406) were reviewed. The unidimensionality of the BSMAS was unanimously confirmed with an optimal pooled Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.83). Likewise, the pooled association between the BSMAS and anxiety, depression, internet gaming disorder, and stress supported its construct validity. There was preliminary and encouraging evidence for other related measures and criteria, and test–retest reliability, although these were qualitatively evaluated due to the limited number of studies. Pending common nosographic categorization, the meta-analytic findings support the appropriateness and validity of conclusions regarding SMA reached using the BSMAS. Further evidence-based, randomized studies targeting various populations and subgroups are warranted.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
Creators:	Bottaro, R., Griffiths, M.D. and Faraci, P.
Publisher:	Springer
Date:	8 March 2025
ISSN:	1557-1874
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1007/s11469-025-01461-x DOI 2399114 Other
Rights:	This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-025-01461-x
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Jonathan Gallacher
Date Added:	10 Mar 2025 11:29
Last Modified:	10 Mar 2025 11:29
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/53216

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