This review examines the psychological literature on addiction to social networking sites (SNSs). SNSs are virtual communities where users can create profiles, interact with friends, and connect based on shared interests. They have become a global phenomenon with exponential growth in usage. While anecdotal evidence suggests that SNS addiction may be a mental health issue, scientific research on this topic is limited. This review explores SNS usage patterns, motivations, user personalities, negative consequences, and potential addiction, as well as the specificity and comorbidity of SNS addiction. SNSs are predominantly used for social purposes, often to maintain offline relationships. Extraverts use SNSs for social enhancement, while introverts use them for social compensation. Personality traits such as low conscientiousness and high narcissism are associated with greater SNS use. Negative consequences include reduced real-life social participation, lower academic performance, and relationship problems, which may indicate potential addiction. SNS addiction may share common etiological factors with other addictions, including biological, psychological, and social factors. However, SNS addiction is distinct due to its specific nature and the social aspects of its use. The review highlights that SNSs are used for social enhancement and compensation, and that their egocentric nature may contribute to addictive behaviors. Studies indicate that SNS usage varies by age, gender, and culture. Teenagers and students use SNSs extensively for social purposes, often for maintaining offline relationships. Personality traits such as high neuroticism and low self-esteem are linked to increased SNS use and potential addiction. SNS use can lead to negative consequences, including reduced academic performance, relationship problems, and social isolation. Research suggests that SNS addiction may be associated with other addictions, such as internet gaming or gambling addiction. However, the specific criteria for diagnosing SNS addiction are still under investigation. The review emphasizes the need for further research to better understand the specificity and comorbidity of SNS addiction, as well as to develop effective treatment strategies. Overall, SNS addiction appears to be a growing mental health concern that requires attention from both researchers and clinicians.This review examines the psychological literature on addiction to social networking sites (SNSs). SNSs are virtual communities where users can create profiles, interact with friends, and connect based on shared interests. They have become a global phenomenon with exponential growth in usage. While anecdotal evidence suggests that SNS addiction may be a mental health issue, scientific research on this topic is limited. This review explores SNS usage patterns, motivations, user personalities, negative consequences, and potential addiction, as well as the specificity and comorbidity of SNS addiction. SNSs are predominantly used for social purposes, often to maintain offline relationships. Extraverts use SNSs for social enhancement, while introverts use them for social compensation. Personality traits such as low conscientiousness and high narcissism are associated with greater SNS use. Negative consequences include reduced real-life social participation, lower academic performance, and relationship problems, which may indicate potential addiction. SNS addiction may share common etiological factors with other addictions, including biological, psychological, and social factors. However, SNS addiction is distinct due to its specific nature and the social aspects of its use. The review highlights that SNSs are used for social enhancement and compensation, and that their egocentric nature may contribute to addictive behaviors. Studies indicate that SNS usage varies by age, gender, and culture. Teenagers and students use SNSs extensively for social purposes, often for maintaining offline relationships. Personality traits such as high neuroticism and low self-esteem are linked to increased SNS use and potential addiction. SNS use can lead to negative consequences, including reduced academic performance, relationship problems, and social isolation. Research suggests that SNS addiction may be associated with other addictions, such as internet gaming or gambling addiction. However, the specific criteria for diagnosing SNS addiction are still under investigation. The review emphasizes the need for further research to better understand the specificity and comorbidity of SNS addiction, as well as to develop effective treatment strategies. Overall, SNS addiction appears to be a growing mental health concern that requires attention from both researchers and clinicians.