Abstract
The heterogeneity of problematic social media use (PSMU) has led to the study of differentiated user profiles, although most research is based on correlational designs rather than multidimensional approaches. The integrated examination of compulsivity, emotional regulation, psychological distress, and usage patterns stays limited. The present study aimed to identify empirical clusters of young people based on psychological, emotional, and behavioural variables related to social media use, and to compare their characteristics to better understand the heterogeneity of the phenomenon. A total of 530 young people participated (67.5% women; M = 19.70 years), completing measures of problematic use, emotional distress, digital compulsivity, emotional regulation, and time spent using social media. Hierarchical and k-means cluster analyses (k=3) were conducted, complemented by ANOVA and post hoc tests. Validity and discriminative capacity indicators (R²) were calculated. Three profiles were identified: a profile characterised by compulsive use (PCU), defined by the highest levels of consumption and compulsivity; a profile characterised by the highest levels of emotional distress despite moderate levels of consumption, termed the pattern associated with psychological distress (PAD); and a functional profile (FP), distinguished by low consumption, fewer symptoms and better emotional regulation. The most discriminative variables were problematic use (R² = .66) and compulsivity (R² = .49), whereas emotional regulation appears to act as a possible protective factor. These profiles may help to guide more precise preventive interventions.