The use of social network sites (SNSs) has grown dramatically. Numerous studies have
shown that SNS users may suffer from excessive use, associated with addictive-like symptoms.
With a focus on the popular SNS Facebook (FB), our aims in the current study were
twofold: First, to explore the heterogeneity of FB usage and determine which kind of FB
activity predicts problematic usage; second, to test whether specific impulsivity facets predict
problematic use of FB. To this end, a sample of FB users (N = 676) completed an online
survey assessing usage preferences (e.g., types of activities performed), symptoms of problematic
FB use and impulsivity traits. Results indicated that specific usage preferences
(updating one's status, gaming via FB, and using notifications) and impulsive traits (positive
and negative urgency, lack of perseverance) are associated to problematic FB use. This
study underscores that labels such as FB ªaddictionº are misleading and that focusing on
the actual activities performed on SNSs is crucial when considering dysfunctional usage.
Furthermore, this study clarified the role of impulsivity in problematic FB use by building on a
theoretically driven model of impulsivity that assumes its multidimensional nature. The current
findings have identifiable theoretical and public health implications.