Story perspectives

Study: Media Framing Fuels Social Media Addiction Perception

12/19/2025

Summary

Story summary

The study analyzed U.S. news articles from November 2021 to November 2024 and found 'addiction' appeared more often than 'habit,' especially after U.S. Surgeon General warnings and lawsuits against Meta.
Only 2% of Instagram users are clinically at risk, while 18% self-report feeling addicted.
Labeling social media use as addiction reduces users' self-efficacy and sense of control.
The findings suggest media framing can shape users' perceptions of social media habits.

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Story summary

The study analyzed U.S. news articles from November 2021 to November 2024 and found 'addiction' appeared more often than 'habit,' especially after U.S. Surgeon General warnings and lawsuits against Meta.
Only 2% of Instagram users are clinically at risk, while 18% self-report feeling addicted.
Labeling social media use as addiction reduces users' self-efficacy and sense of control.
The findings suggest media framing can shape users' perceptions of social media habits.