Before You Begin
This version separates scored frequency items from context and protective factors so the result can show a clearer answer pattern.
Scored items use one frequency scale. Context answers personalize the summary, while protective factors are reported separately. This original tool is not clinically validated and cannot provide a diagnosis.
How To Read This Result
This versioned original self-check uses 12 scored frequency items for the past 30 days. It reviews Automatic Feed Capture, Stopping Control, Social Evaluation, Life Displacement. Optional context answers personalize guidance but do not change the score.
Dimension labels summarize how often their assigned experiences were selected. Protective factors are shown separately and are not reverse-scored into a risk total. Result profiles are descriptive editorial patterns, not clinical cutoffs, probabilities, or population percentiles.
What Version 2.0 Measures
The 12 scored items cover Automatic Feed Capture, Stopping Control, Social Evaluation, Life Displacement. Each dimension is supported by three questions using the same 30-day frequency scale.
Context and protective-factor questions are displayed separately and do not change the core score.
How Scoring Works
Scored answers use values from 0 to 4 and produce an editorial total from 0 to 48. Dimension labels summarize selected frequency, not medical severity, character, or population standing.
Important Context And Limits
Social media can support learning, identity, work, and connection. Risk cannot be inferred from time alone. Age, platform design, content, purpose, mood effects, control, and what use displaces all matter.
This self-check does not diagnose addiction, depression, anxiety, or another condition. It is designed to separate feed capture, stopping control, social evaluation, and displacement.
How To Use The Result
Use the most frequent dimension to change one feed cue, stopping condition, evaluation habit, or protected activity. If evaluation is highest, reduce feedback checking or comparison-heavy sources. If displacement is highest, protect the displaced activity first.
Seek support when use remains difficult to control or causes serious consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does frequent social media use mean addiction?
No. Frequency alone does not establish addiction. Control, distress, context, and practical consequences matter.
Is this a validated social media addiction scale?
No. It is an original ToolsQuark educational self-check.
How is this different from the smartphone self-check?
This page focuses on feeds, social evaluation, and comparison. The smartphone page covers device-level behavior across phone activities.
What is automatic feed capture?
Automatic feed capture means opening or continuing a feed without a clear purpose, often because the feed, notification, or habit loop keeps attention moving.
Can social comparison affect mood?
Yes. Comparison-heavy content or repeated feedback checking can shape mood and self-appraisal. The evaluation dimension highlights this separately from time spent.
Is all social media use harmful?
No. Social media can support learning, work, identity, creativity, and connection. The more useful question is whether use is intentional, controllable, and aligned with the activity it replaces.
What is a practical first step?
Choose one boundary: define a purpose before opening the app, remove one feed cue, use a stopping point, or protect one feed-free time or location.