Identifying Psychological Factors Contributing to Emotional Dependence on Social Media Among Adolescents

Dilshod Karimov; Faisal Al-Kuwari; Yanelis Batista

Authors

Dilshod Karimov Department of Psychology, National University of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan Author https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7978-9732
Faisal Al-Kuwari Department of Behavioral Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar Corresponding Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1963-6619
Yanelis Batista Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Havana, Havana, Cuba Author https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1387-7418

Keywords:

Adolescents, Social Media, Emotional Dependence, Social Comparison, Fear of Missing Out, Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Validation

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify and explain the psychological factors contributing to emotional dependence on social media among adolescents in Qatar.

Methods and Materials: This qualitative exploratory study was conducted among 24 adolescents aged 13–18 years residing in Qatar and selected through purposive sampling with maximum variation in age, sex, school grade, and social media use patterns. Data were collected using a demographic information form and semi-structured individual interviews focusing on emotional reactions to social media, need for approval, fear of exclusion, social comparison, self-evaluation, emotion regulation, boredom, and repetitive checking behaviors. Interviews lasted approximately 40–65 minutes, were audio-recorded with permission, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis in MAXQDA. Data collection continued until thematic saturation was achieved. Credibility and dependability were strengthened through iterative coding, team discussion, examination of discrepant cases, analytical memos, and maintenance of an audit trail.

Findings: Thematic analysis generated 186 initial codes, 32 subcategories, 11 intermediate categories, and five overarching themes. The identified psychological factors were dependence on interpersonal validation, social disconnection and fear of exclusion, social comparison and unstable self-evaluation, emotion regulation through social media, and habitual cognitive-behavioral attachment. The findings indicated that emotional dependence developed through reciprocal and self-reinforcing pathways in which adolescents used social media to obtain reassurance, maintain belonging, reduce boredom and distress, regulate mood, and monitor peer activity. At the same time, repeated exposure intensified upward social comparison, insecurity, fear of missing out, sensitivity to feedback, cognitive preoccupation, and automatic checking. The convergence of interpersonal needs, affective regulation, and habitual behavior appeared to distinguish emotionally dependent use from ordinary recreational engagement.

Conclusion: Emotional dependence on social media among adolescents is a multidimensional psychological phenomenon shaped by the interaction of social validation needs, fear of exclusion, unstable self-worth, maladaptive emotion regulation, and habitual digital engagement.

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