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This study addresses the growing concern of social network (SN) addiction, with a focus on TikTok and Instagram. Guided by the Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT), we explored the motivations (escapism and social interaction), attitudes (critical thinking), and states (flow and sense of belonging) that influence SN use. Our objective was to investigate whether critical thinking acts as a protective factor against SN addiction. A sample of 332 university students completed questionnaires assessing motivations, attitudes, states, and SN addiction. Critical thinking was measured using the Critical Thinking Attitude Scale (CTAS), and critical thinking skills were assessed through the Critical Reasoning Assessment (CRA). Statistical analyses revealed significant associations between motivations, critical thinking, states, and SN addiction. Specifically, critical thinking (CTAS scores) demonstrated a negative correlation with SN addiction (r = -0.34,
Fabio et al. (Mon,) studied this question.