Association Between Problematic TikTok Use, and Procrastination, Loneliness and Self‐Esteem: A Stratification Analysis by Sex and Generation

The aim of this study was to examine the association between problematic TikTok use, and procrastination, loneliness and self-esteem in Greece. Moreover, we performed a stratification analysis to explore differences between females and males, and Generation Z, Millennials and Generation X. We conducted a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 1033 TikTok users. We used the TikTok Addiction Scale to measure problematic TikTok use. Additionally, we measured procrastination, loneliness and self-esteem, with the Irrational Procrastination Scale, the UCLA 3-Item Loneliness Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, respectively. We performed multivariable linear regression analysis to control for confounders. We found a positive association between problematic TikTok use, procrastination and loneliness. Also, we found a negative association between problematic TikTok use and self-esteem. Stratification analysis showed a stronger association between problematic TikTok use and procrastination among females and Generation Z. The association between problematic TikTok use and loneliness was higher among males and Generation X. The association between problematic TikTok use and self-esteem was stronger among males and Generation Z. In conclusion, our study supports the association between problematic TikTok use, and procrastination, loneliness and self-esteem. Moreover, there are differences between the two sexes, and age generations.