Social networking on smartphones: When mobile phones become addictive

• We investigate the role of mobile social networking applications on mobile addiction.
• The use of SNS mobile applications is a significant predictor of mobile addiction.
• The use of SNS mobile applications is affected by both SNS network size and SNS intensity of the user.

As the penetration of mobile phones in societies increases, there is a large growth in the use of mobile phones especially among the youth. This trend is followed by the fast growth in use of online social networking services (SNS). Extensive use of technology can lead to addiction. This study finds that the use of SNS mobile applications is a significant predictor of mobile addiction. The result also shows that the use of SNS mobile applications is affected by both SNS network size and SNS intensity of the user. This study has implications for academia as well as governmental and non-for-profit organizations regarding the effect of mobile phones on individual’s and public health.