This study sought to examine the dimensions of social
media addiction and their correlates. Previous research has
shown evidence of what can be classified as an addiction
(Al-Menayes, 2014). To investigate the matter further, the
current study used an established Internet addiction scale and
adapted it to social media (Young, 1996). Based on factor
analysis of responses from a sample of 1326 respondents,
three addiction factors emerged. These dimensions were
subsequently correlated with communication related variables
to measure their impact. Results indicated that the amount of
time spent using social media is positively correlated with all
factors of social media addiction meaning the more time one
spends using social media, the more likely they will exhibit
symptoms of social media addiction. Satisfaction with social
media was also positively correlated with social media
addiction. This means that individuals reporting signs of
addiction are more likely than others to be satisfied with the
functions social media provide. Experience with social media
was positively correlated with two of the three factors while
negatively correlated with the third. This means that generally
the more experience a person has with social media, the more
likely he or she will be addicted to them.