Based on my scores on the Social Media Disorder (SMD) Scale, I received two out of nine: persistence and escape. While I fall short of the criteria for disordered social media use, these findings indicate areas where I may be more careful. For example, the “persistence” item represents instances when I attempted but failed to reduce my use of social media, whereas “escape” represents occasions when I used it to unwind from stress or boredom. Together, they demonstrate how easy it is to use social media as a quick fix while simultaneously emphasizing the significance of balancing it with other activities.

Looking at the scale, each item focuses on a different aspect of social media use—from emotional impact (withdrawal, escape) to behavioral shifts (displacement, problems). This variety demonstrates that social media disorder can take different shapes, depending on an individual’s circumstances or emotional requirements.

Regarding global patterns, I believe that culture, technology, and social conventions all influence how people utilize social media. In areas where social media is crucial to communication, scores on the scale may skew higher, indicating more regular experiences of preoccupation or tolerance. In contrast, locations with strong internet policies or differing societal values may have lower symptoms. Cultural values influence whether social media is perceived as a social tool, a professional network, or a possible concern, resulting in diverse experiences across boundaries.