Determining an optimal cut-off point for TikTok addiction using the TikTok Addiction Scale

Abstract OBJECTIVE To identify an optimal cut-off point for the TikTok Addiction Scale (TTAS). METHOD We performed a cross-sectional with a convenience sample. We collected our data in Greece during July 2024. We used a sample of TikTok users among the general population. We employed the Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis to identify an optimal cut-off point for the TTAS by using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) as external criterions. We used the suggested cut-off points from the literature to develop dichotomous variables for BSMAS and PHQ-4. RESULTS We found a significant predictive power of TTAS for social media addiction, anxiety, and depression. We found that the best cut-off point for the TTAS is 3.23 (p-value CONCLUSIONS The best cut-off point for the TTAS was 3.23. TikTok users with mean TTAS score ≥3.23 should be further examined by mental health professionals. Further research should be conducted to validate our results.