Relatively common behavioral patterns in adolescence are problematic use of video games (PG), social media (PSMU) or alcohol (PAU). According to theoretical models, personality traits are relevant for Internet-related problematic behaviors. In the present study, associations of the Big Five personality domains and their 15 facets with PG, PSMU and PAU were compared for the first time. Therefore, 492 adolescents (mean age: 16.83 years) were examined with the established Big Five Inventory-2 as well as other standardized questionnaires on PG, PSMU and PAU. For statistical evaluation, correlation analyses were used as bivariate procedures and multiple regression analyses as multivariable procedures. At the personality domain level, consistently in bivariate and multivariate analyses, statistically significant associations between higher Negative Emotionality (Neuroticism) and PG, PSMU and PAU as well as between lower Open-Mindedness and PG and PAU were observed. At the level of facets, higher Anxiety (facet of Negative Emotionality) was related to PG and PSMU as well as lower Aesthetic Sensitivity (facet of Open-Mindedness) and lower Productiveness (facet of Conscientiousness) to PG. Considering the overlap of 95% confidence intervals, very comparable patterns of associations between PG, PSMU and PAU and the Big Five and their facets were observed in adolescence (indicating similarities in etiology).

While the use of video games and social media is an enjoyable recreational activity for most users, a minority develop problematic patterns of use. In the ICD-11, for the first time, there is a category of “disorders due to addictive behaviors” (including gaming disorder). The scientific literature also suggests a potential for the problematic use of social media. Economic screening tools for this are still needed. A very economical questionnaire to record gaming disorder is the ICD-11-based Gaming Disorder Test (GDT). The purpose of the present survey was to investigate the psychometric properties of an adapted questionnaire (Social Media Disorder Test, SMDT) to assess problematic social media use (PSMU). Therefore, 443 youths (mean age: 20.11 years) were examined with the SMDT and other measures regarding PSMU, self-control, and psychopathology. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and reliability and correlation analyses were conducted. For the SMDT, we observed very good fit indices in the CFA, suggesting a one-factor structure; the reliability coefficient was 0.90, and we found the first indications for criterion validity. If the results can be confirmed, the SMDT, with its four questions, would be a very economical instrument to measure PSMU based on the ICD-11 criteria for behavioral addictions.