The Relationship Between Internet and Social Media Addiction And Migraine Disability In Adults With Migraine
Abstract
Background: Migraine is a chronic headache disorder involving neurovascular hyperexcitability and trigeminovascular sensitization, leading to functional impairment. With digital technologies now pervasive, excessive internet and social media use may contribute to migraine burden. This study examined the relationship between internet and social media addiction, screen exposure, and migraine-related disability in adults.
Methods: Eighty-two adults aged 18–65 years with a diagnosis of migraine according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3) and without significant neurological or severe psychiatric comorbidities were included. Sociodemographic data, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS), the Young Internet Addiction Scale (YIAS), and the Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS) were administered. Average daily smartphone screen time over the past seven days was recorded. Spearman correlation coefficients and multivariable linear regression models were used for the analyses.
Results: Spearman correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between MIDAS and both YIAS (ρ = 0.458) and SMAS (ρ = 0.541), with SMAS showing the stronger relationship. Average daily screen time was also correlated with MIDAS (ρ = 0.345). In multivariable models, YIAS and screen time remained independently associated with MIDAS when included together. However, when SMAS was entered alongside screen time, only SMAS remained significant (β = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.18–0.47). Likewise, in the model including both SMAS and YIAS, SMAS remained an independent predictor (β = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.20–0.66), whereas YIAS lost significance (β = –0.21; 95% CI: –0.79 to 0.37).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that migraine burden may be more closely related to social interaction–based digital exposure than to overall internet use. Social media–related behaviors could be a potential target for intervention, although prospective studies are needed to confirm this.
Keywords
migraine, social media, internet addiction, addictive behavior
Supporting Institution
No financial support was received from any public institution, private sector, or non-profit organization within the scope of this research.
Ethical Statement
This study was conducted in accordance with the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. It was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Yenimahalle Training and Research Hospital (Decision No: 2025-22). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants
Thanks
We would like to express our gratitude to all the patients who participated in our study.
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