Distinct Profiles of Problematic Smartphone and Social Media Use Among French University Students: A Person-Centered Analysis of Sociodemographic, Psychological, Social, and Academic Correlates

Background: Problematic smartphone use (PSU) and problematic social media use (PSMU) are common among university students, but little is known about whether distinct patterns of use exist. This study identified profiles of smartphone and social media use among French university students and examined factors associated with profile membership. Methods: An online survey was completed by 973 students from two French universities. K-means cluster analysis was conducted using smartphone use frequency, problematic smartphone use, social media use frequency, and problematic social media use. Multinomial logistic regression identified sociodemographic, social, psychological, mental well-being, and academic predictors of profile membership. Results: Three profiles emerged: low-risk (36.6%), moderate-risk (44.5%), and high-risk (18.9%). Compared with the low-risk profile, the moderate- and high-risk profiles were associated with younger age, higher neuroticism, greater positive urgency impulsivity, more attentional difficulties, and greater smartphone-related academic interference. Higher conscientiousness is consistently associated with likelihood of belonging to higher-risk profiles. Greater commitment in intimate relationships and stronger future-self continuity significantly predicted membership in the low-risk profile. Conclusions: PSU and PSMU comprise distinct behavioral profiles. Modifiable factors, including impulsivity, conscientiousness, future-self continuity, and academic digital habits, may help identify and support students at greater risk.