Role of Perceived Loneliness and Social Anxiety in Addiction to Facebook

In recent years, Facebook has quickly become the most common communication tool. Many studies have shown that excessive use, especially addiction to Facebook can lead to devastating effects on individuals social and professional life.With respect to lack of studies in determination and introducing psychological factors of predicting addiction to Facebook, the present study aimed to examine the role of perceived loneliness and social anxiety in addiction to Facebook. This study was conducted with a correlational method. Using convenience sampling, 351 individuals (216 female and 135 male) were selected among users of Facebook in second part of 2014. They were evaluated by short form of the social and emotional loneliness scale for adults (SELSA-S), social anxiety and Bergen addiction to Facebook. Data were analyzed by Multiple Regression method (stepwise). Results showed that there was a meaningful relationship between perceived loneliness, social anxiety and addiction to Facebook. On the whole, physiological symptoms, social loneliness, avoidance and anxiety are the best predictors of addiction to Facebook. Consequently, it can be concluded that perceived loneliness and social anxiety can predict addiction to Facebook.