Digital Wellbeing Profiles: A Cluster Analysis of Smartphone Addiction, Social Media Use, and Perceived Digital Wellbeing among Young Adults.

METHODS

Participants were 1853 young adults (M = 22.4, SD = 2.10). They completed the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale (SABAS), Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), Multidimensional Digital Stress Scale (DSS), Digital Wellbeing Questionnaire (DWBQ), Perceived Digital Wellbeing Scale (PDWS), and Digital Flourishing Scale (DFS). Wellbeing was assessed with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), a World Values Survey happiness item, and the life satisfaction ladder. Standardized scores were analyzed with k-means clustering; validity was tested with MANOVA and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Two clusters were identified. People in a balanced use cluster (n = 893) showed lower smartphone and social media addiction and digital stress, and higher flourishing, DWBQ, and PDWS scores. People with a dysregulated use cluster (n = 960) showed the opposite. MANOVA confirmed wellbeing differences, Wilks' λ = 0.926, F(4, 1848) = 36.74, p < .001, partial η² = 0.074. People in a balanced use cluster scored higher on mental wellbeing (η² = 0.069), life satisfaction (η² = 0.024), happiness (η² = 0.033), and the ladder (η² = 0.006). Logistic regression showed gender, sexual orientation, and relationship status predicted membership.

DISCUSSION: Two profiles of digital engagement emerged. The PDWS distinguished clusters more strongly than the DWBQ, suggesting perceived balance is crucial for identifying risk and resilience. Interventions should focus on reducing digital stress and promoting flourishing rather than limiting screen time.