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

Introduction: 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 metaanalysis aims to examine the association between PSNSU and (i) general impulsivity and (ii) specific dimensions of impulsivity. Method: 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. Results: 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. Discussion: These results confirmed that PSNSU is positively associated with impulsivity and helped to clarify which specific dimensions of impulsivity are involved in this association.