Network analysis of entrapment, defeat and social network site addiction among teenagers in Shenzhen, China

Background Social network site addiction (SNS-addiction) is a growing concern among teenagers, with potential links to psychological states such as entrapment and defeat. In China, unique sociocultural factors including Gaokao-related academic stress, excessive parental expectations and control, and the proliferation of addictive digital platforms may exacerbate SNS-addiction risks. This study investigated the network structure of SNS-addiction, entrapment and defeat in teenagers in Shenzhen, China. Methods 2,258 secondary school students from Shenzhen were surveyed by self-administered questionnaires. The Social Network Addiction Tendency Scale for Adolescents, as well as the defeat and entrapment scales were used to assess SNS-addiction, defeat, and entrapment, respectively. The centrality of entrapment and defeat symptoms was characterized using “Expected Influence” and “Bridge Expected Influence”. A case-dropping bootstrap procedure was used to test the network stability. A network comparison test was conducted to examine whether the network features varied according to gender. Results The survey indicated the mean score for SNS-addiction tendency was 17.201 ( SD = 6.029). “Life’s Loser” and “Self-detachment” were identified as central symptoms within the network of defeat and entrapment. “Exitless Predicament” and “Achievement Doubt” emerged as significant bridge symptoms. “Sense of Success” and “Inherent Winner” revealed the most substantial connections in both networks. “Inescapable Relationship” exhibited the most pronounced direct connection to SNS-addiction. Conclusion Symptoms such as “Inescapable Relationship”, “Life’s Loser” and “Exitless Predicament” are crucial targets for interventions aimed at reducing SNS-addiction and its associated psychological burdens. This network analysis offers insights into the intricate relationships within the mental health of teenagers.