Expert Raises Questions About Social Media's Addictive Nature

Michigan State professor examines the complex issue of social media addiction and the need for more rigorous research.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:30am

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A minimalist, glowing neon outline of a smartphone or social media app icon against a dark background, conceptually illustrating the addictive qualities of social media technology.As the debate over social media addiction continues, experts call for more rigorous research and clearer diagnostic guidelines to address the complex impacts of excessive platform use.East Lansing Today

Dar Meshi, an associate professor at Michigan State University, recently authored a commentary in the journal Nature about the debate surrounding social media addiction. Meshi discusses the impacts of excessive social media use, whether it can be considered a clinical addiction, and the need for more guidance from professional bodies like the American Psychiatric Association to establish clear diagnostic criteria.

Why it matters

The issue of social media addiction is complex, with ongoing debates about whether excessive use should be classified as a clinical disorder. Meshi's commentary highlights the need for more rigorous research and input from experts to determine the appropriate way to address problematic social media use and its impacts.

The details

Meshi's commentary examines the case-based evidence linking excessive social media use to psychological distress and impaired functioning, as well as the differences in brain activity and decision-making observed in some heavy users. However, Meshi notes that the research is still largely correlational, and there is no general agreement on whether social media use meets the criteria for a clinical addictive disorder.

  • On March 25, 2026, a California trial awarded $6 million to a plaintiff who argued that the addictive qualities of social media had caused her harm.
  • In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) considered social media addiction to be part of general internet addiction, which did not meet the criteria for a formal clinical disorder designation.

The players

Dar Meshi

An associate professor of advertising and public relations at the Michigan State University College of Communication Arts and Sciences who studies the psychology of technology use, including social media.

American Psychiatric Association (APA)

The professional organization that publishes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which defines clinical disorders and guides assessment and research.

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What they’re saying

“Case-based evidence has linked excessive social media use to psychological distress and impaired functioning in some people, for example, through job loss, relationship problems and academic failure. This use has been associated with differences in the structure and activity of reward-related brain regions and with impaired decision-making. Such features are observed in substance-use disorders too.”

— Dar Meshi, Associate Professor

“Despite more than two decades of study on social media use, many researchers like me are wary of using the label of 'addiction.' That's because there is no general agreement on whether social media use can meet current standards for addictive disorders. More rigorous research is needed, along with guidance from professional bodies such as the American Psychiatric Association, or APA.”

— Dar Meshi, Associate Professor

What’s next

The APA is expected to establish subcommittees that will focus on various aspects of mental disorders, including biomarkers, socio-economic determinants, and impaired functioning. Experts in behavioral addictive disorders will need to be included in these subcommittees to determine if and how problematic social media use should be defined as a clinical addiction.

The takeaway

The debate over social media addiction highlights the need for more rigorous research, clear diagnostic criteria, and input from professional organizations like the APA to properly address the complex issue of excessive social media use and its impacts on mental health and well-being.