Impulsivity and problematic social network sites use: A meta-analysis

Problematic Social Network Sites Use (PSNSU) has been defined as the inability to self-regulate one's use of social networks that adversely affects the user's interpersonal relationships, work or academic activities, and psychological well-being. Among PSNSU risk factors, impulsivity has gained attention. Evidence has emerged about the importance of considering impulsivity from a multidimensional approach since specific dimensions of impulsivity were found to be involved in specific addictive behaviors. Therefore, the present meta-analysis aims to examine the association between PSNSU and (i) general impulsivity and (ii) specific dimensions of impulsivity.

A keyword-based systematic literature search was performed for eligible studies in which impulsivity and PSNSU were assessed. The meta-analysis was conducted following the most updated PRISMA guidelines.

Forty-one studies were included in the quantitative analysis with 43 independent samples. Meta-analytic results of the random effects model showed a significant positive correlation between general impulsivity and PSNSU (Fisher's Z = 0.29; CI 0.24, 0.35; Z = 10.66). Concerning dimensions of impulsivity, meta-analytic results of the random effects model revealed a significant positive correlation between PSNSU and lack of premeditation (Fisher's Z = 0.11 CI 0.09, 0.13; Z = 13.25) and between PSNSU and lack of perseverance (Fisher's Z = 0.19; CI 0.17, 0.20; Z = 22.67). Significant positive correlations between PSNSU and attentional impulsivity (Fisher's Z = 0.18; CI 0.12, 0.23; Z = 6.29), non-planning impulsivity (Fisher's Z = 0.10; CI 0.02, 0.19; Z = 2.35), and motor impulsivity (Fisher's Z = 0.22; CI 0.16, 0.27; Z = 7.45) were also found.

These results confirmed that PSNSU is positively associated with impulsivity and helped to clarify which specific dimensions of impulsivity are involved in this association.