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Understanding problematic TikTok use: Cognitive absorption, nomophobia, and life stress
Avus C Y Hou1, Thuy Dung Pham Thi1, Xavier Hou2
1Department of Marketing and Distribution Management, Asia Eastern University of Science and Technology, Taiwan.
Acta Psychologica
|September 10, 2025
Summary
Immersive user experiences, not just stress, drive problematic TikTok use. Cognitive absorption is the key predictor, highlighting the need for digital well-being strategies.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Digital Media Studies
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Previous research linked problematic app use to emotional factors like stress and anxiety.
- This study emphasizes the role of immersive user experiences in problematic TikTok engagement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictors of problematic TikTok use, focusing on cognitive absorption, nomophobia, and life stress.
- To explore the relationship between life stress and nomophobia.
- To understand the dual nature of cognitive absorption in app engagement.
Main Methods:
- Data collected from 479 daily TikTok users.
- Component-based structural equation modeling used for analysis.
- Cognitive absorption conceptualized as a second-order construct (focused immersion, temporal dissociation, heightened enjoyment, curiosity).
Main Results:
- Cognitive absorption was the strongest predictor of problematic TikTok use.
- Nomophobia and life stress also predicted problematic use.
- Life stress was found to significantly predict nomophobia.
Conclusions:
- Optimal user experiences, particularly high cognitive absorption, significantly contribute to problematic app engagement.
- Digital well-being strategies should address immersive experiences, not solely emotional distress.
- Findings are particularly relevant for understanding younger users' digital habits.
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