Social Media Addiction, Anxiety, and Irrational Beliefs: A Generational Comparison in Greece

Many people recognise the experience of using social media “for a moment” and realising that an hour has passed. Although problematic social media use has been linked to anxiety, less is known about this relationship in older adults, who are increasingly active on social media yet remain largely understudied in Greek research. Drawing on Griffiths’ behavioural addiction model, Social Comparison Theory, and Rational Emotive Behaviour Theory, this ongoing quantitative cross-sectional study examines problematic social media use, anxiety, and irrational beliefs in Generation Z and Baby Boomers in Greece. By comparing these two age groups, the study examines whether problematic social media use is associated with irrational beliefs related to anxiety, and whether these associations differ across generations. The findings may support public awareness, professional training, and mental health practice related to social media use and behavioural addictions.