Meta-analysis of Reliability and Validity of the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS)

The present meta-analysis reviewed and summarized the psychometric properties of the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), the most widely used tool for assessing social media addiction (SMA) in research and clinical practice. Following the PRISMA 2020 Statement guidelines, seven databases (PubMed, PsycArticles, PsycInfo, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Medline, Wiley Online Library, and Web of Science) were searched for studies reporting the dimensionality, item characteristics, reliability, and validity of the BSMAS. A total of 28 studies (N = 62,406) were reviewed. The unidimensionality of the BSMAS was unanimously confirmed with an optimal pooled Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.83). Likewise, the pooled association between the BSMAS and anxiety, depression, internet gaming disorder, and stress supported its construct validity. There was preliminary and encouraging evidence for other related measures and criteria, and test– retest reliability, although these were qualitatively evaluated due to the limited number of studies. Pending common nosographic categorization, the meta-analytic findings support the appropriateness and validity of conclusions regarding SMA reached using the BSMAS. Further evidence-based, randomized studies targeting various populations and subgroups are warranted.