In an era dominated by digital interconnectivity, the phenomena of social media addiction and phubbing have emerged as complex behavioral patterns with profound psychological implications. Recent research spearheaded by Kirksekiz, Yildiz, Kiyici, and colleagues sheds new light on the latent profiles of adult social media addiction and phubbing, while exploring the critical role of authenticity as a consequential outcome. Published in BMC Psychology in 2025, this pioneering study delves deeply into the nuanced interrelations between compulsive social media behaviors and their effects on individuals’ sense of genuine self-expression, offering vital insights for psychologists, sociologists, and digital culture observers alike.
The study unfolds against the backdrop of escalating global social media usage and the often overlooked interpersonal repercussions stemming from these digital habits. Social media addiction, characterized by excessive and uncontrollable engagement with online platforms, has been linked to adverse psychological outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and reduced life satisfaction. Concurrently, phubbing—a blend of “phone” and “snubbing”—refers to the act of ignoring one’s immediate social environment in favor of mobile device usage. The convergence of these two behaviors has led to a pressing need to classify their manifestations and resultant psychological effects within adult populations through sophisticated analytical frameworks.
Utilizing latent profile analysis (LPA), the researchers identified distinct subgroups of adults exhibiting varying degrees of social media addiction and phubbing behaviors. This methodological approach allowed the investigators to transcend simplistic binary categorizations and instead parse nuanced behavioral patterns that might be obscured in traditional survey analyses. The latent profiles uncovered reveal heterogeneity within the population, ranging from individuals exhibiting minimal problematic behaviors to those perpetually immersed in social media engagement to the detriment of real-world interactions.
Crucially, the investigation examined authenticity as a psychological outcome of these profiles. Authenticity, here, is conceptualized as an individual’s ability to express their true self, uninhibited by external pressures or digital facades. The researchers hypothesized that heightened levels of social media addiction and phubbing could erode genuine self-expression, fostering an internal dissonance exacerbated by the curated realities often presented on social platforms. The findings lend significant support to this notion, indicating that adults with more severe addictive and phubbing profiles reported lower authenticity, hinting at a deteriorating self-concept linked to compulsive digital use.
The study’s design involved a comprehensive sample of adult participants, encompassing diverse demographic backgrounds to ensure broad representativity. Participants completed validated psychometric instruments measuring social media addiction intensity, frequency of phubbing behavior, and authenticity levels. The research team employed advanced statistical modeling techniques to delineate the latent profiles, ensuring methodological rigor and robustness of interpretations.
Beyond its methodological sophistication, the research confronts an essential societal concern: how digital technology reshapes human interaction and self-perception. The intricate dance between connectivity and alienation emerges as a central theme, where the very tools designed to bridge social gaps may paradoxically deepen feelings of isolation. The findings underscore that excessive social media use and phubbing do not merely affect social habits but have profound implications for psychological well-being and identity coherence.
Moreover, the authors highlight the bidirectional nature of these relationships, suggesting that diminished authenticity might also perpetuate or exacerbate addictive behaviors, creating a feedback loop difficult to disrupt without targeted interventions. This insight paves the way for innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at reinforcing authenticity as a protective factor against maladaptive digital behaviors. Cognitive-behavioral interventions, mindfulness-based therapies, and digital detox programs could be tailored to nurture authentic self-expression while mitigating the compulsive allure of social media.
In addition to individual-level impacts, the research carries implications for community dynamics and broader social fabric. The normalization of phubbing behaviors threatens the quality of face-to-face communications, potentially undermining empathy and mutual understanding in everyday interactions. The study suggests that cultivating awareness around these latent profiles can inform public health campaigns and educational programs, fostering healthier digital habits that preserve the integrity of human connection.
Technological advancement continues unabated, with social media platforms evolving to capture attention via algorithmic personalization and immersive experiences. The researchers caution that without conscious regulation and societal discourse on digital well-being, the risks associated with social media addiction and phubbing may amplify, particularly as the lines between online and offline realities blur. This research functions as an early warning system, advocating for a balanced approach that respects the benefits of digital engagement while safeguarding psychological authenticity.
Furthermore, the investigation acknowledges cultural factors that modulate social media addiction and phubbing expressions, signaling the importance of context-sensitive research. Variations in social norms, technological penetration, and communication styles across regions influence how these behaviors manifest and affect authenticity. Future research directions advised by the authors include longitudinal designs and cross-cultural comparisons to deepen understanding of temporal dynamics and universal versus culture-specific phenomena.
This study stands as a testament to the pressing need for interdisciplinary collaboration, intertwining psychology, behavioral science, communication studies, and technology ethics. By characterizing latent profiles with empirical precision and linking them to the vital construct of authenticity, the researchers provide a nuanced framework for comprehending digital behavior’s multidimensional impacts. Their work invites ongoing dialogue among scientists, clinicians, policymakers, and digital platform designers to collaboratively forge pathways toward healthier social media ecosystems.
In summation, Kirksekiz and colleagues have paved a critical research pathway illuminating the latent behavioral profiles of social media addiction and phubbing in adults while underscoring decreased authenticity as a psychological cost of these patterns. Their comprehensive analytical approach enriches the digital age discourse, urging both individuals and societies to critically reflect on the quality and implications of our online–offline existence. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, such insights will be indispensable in crafting strategies that honor the human need for authentic connection amidst ubiquitous technology.
Subject of Research: Adults’ social media addiction and phubbing latent profiles, and authenticity as an outcome.
Article Title: Adults social media addiction and phubbing latent profiles and authenticity as outcome.
Article References:
Kirksekiz, A., Yildiz, M., Kiyici, M. et al. Adults social media addiction and phubbing latent profiles and authenticity as outcome. BMC Psychol 13, 580 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02858-y
Image Credits: AI Generated
