Mapping Social Media Dependency
Functional and Psychological Platform Reliance as Mechanisms of Digital Vulnerability
Janneke M. Schokkenbroek (Hogeschool Inholland, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Universiteit Gent, TU Delft - Technology, Policy and Management)
Maria Lucia Rebrean (Universiteit Leiden)
Constanta Rosca (Universiteit Leiden)
Maëlle Picout (Universiteit Leiden)
Gianclaudio Malgieri (Universiteit Leiden)
Ben Wagner (University Austria, Hogeschool Inholland, TU Delft - Technology, Policy and Management)
Lorena Sánchez Chamorro (University of Twente)
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Abstract
Social media dependency is a central mechanism through which digital vulnerability takes shape, making it critical to understand for research, design, and policy. This study distinguishes between functional dependency (needs-based reliance) and psychological dependency (compulsive engagement) and investigates how these dimensions intersect. We surveyed 873 adult users across Europe, measuring both dependency forms alongside demographics, well-being, motivations, platform choice, and exposure to manipulative design features. Latent profile analysis and multinomial logistic regression revealed five distinct dependency profiles: functional use, low-dependency pragmatic use, high-dependency social use, moderate-dependency hedonic use, and very high-dependency multi-motivated use. These findings show dependency is not uniform but layered and dynamic, shifting with users' circumstances and socio-technical contexts. By situating dependency within both individual and design-related factors, the study advances theoretical debates on digital vulnerability and offers a profiles-based lens that helps inform the design of more autonomy-supportive social media platforms.
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