Last update:
10-Jun-2025

OBJECTIVE To identify an optimal cut-off point for the TikTok Addiction Scale (TTAS).

METHOD We performed a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample. Data were collected in Greece during July 2024. We used a sample of TikTok users among the general population and employed the Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis to identify an optimal cut-off point for the TTAS by using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) as external criterions. Also, we used the suggested cut-off points from the literature to develop dichotomous variables for BSMAS and PHQ-4.

RESULTS A significant predictive power of TTAS was found for social media addiction, anxiety, and depression. We found that the best cut-off point for the TTAS was 3.23 (p-value <0.001, Youden's index=0.72). In that case, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.91 (95% confidence interval= 0.86–0.97). Sensitivity and specificity of the TTAS were 0.76 and 0.96, respectively. Thus, the mean TTAS score ≥3.23 suggested TikTok use disorder, while the mean score from 1.00 to 3.22 suggested healthy users. The positive predictive value of the TTAS was 0.61, while the negative predictive value was 0.98.

CONCLUSIONS The best cut-off point for the TTAS was 3.23. TikTok users with a mean TTAS score ≥3.23 should be further examined by mental health professionals. Further research should be conducted to validate our results.

Key words: Addiction, Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Cut-off analysis, Patient Health Questionnaire-4, TikTok Addiction Scale, Users.