The psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) were evaluated in a cross-sectional study involving 757 Algerian university students. The BSMAS was translated into Arabic and validated for use in this population. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a unidimensional structure for the BSMAS, with good fit indices and acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.74; ω = 0.78). Factor loadings ranged from 0.402 to 0.670, and item-total correlations ranged from 0.349 to 0.529. The Arabic BSMAS showed measurement invariance across gender. It was significantly associated with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D, r = 0.290; p < 0.001) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS, r = -0.232; p < 0.001). These findings suggest that the Arabic BSMAS has satisfactory psychometric properties in an Arabic context, particularly in Algeria. The study highlights the importance of assessing and addressing problematic social media use in Arabic-speaking populations. Social media use has become an essential part of daily life, enabling communication, information sharing, and social interaction. However, concerns have been raised about its potentially addictive nature and impact on mental well-being. Social media addiction is defined as excessive use that impairs psychological health and personal relationships. The components model of addiction identifies six fundamental components: salience, mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, conflict, and relapse. Recent research suggests that specific internet-related activities, such as online gaming, social networking, and online gambling, may lead to addictive behaviors. The DSM-5 recognizes internet gaming disorder as a potential disorder, but PSMU is also becoming a growing mental health concern. Psychometric instruments, such as the BSMAS, are being developed to assess PSMU. The study demonstrates that the Arabic BSMAS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing problematic social media use in an Arabic context.The psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) were evaluated in a cross-sectional study involving 757 Algerian university students. The BSMAS was translated into Arabic and validated for use in this population. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a unidimensional structure for the BSMAS, with good fit indices and acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.74; ω = 0.78). Factor loadings ranged from 0.402 to 0.670, and item-total correlations ranged from 0.349 to 0.529. The Arabic BSMAS showed measurement invariance across gender. It was significantly associated with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D, r = 0.290; p < 0.001) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS, r = -0.232; p < 0.001). These findings suggest that the Arabic BSMAS has satisfactory psychometric properties in an Arabic context, particularly in Algeria. The study highlights the importance of assessing and addressing problematic social media use in Arabic-speaking populations. Social media use has become an essential part of daily life, enabling communication, information sharing, and social interaction. However, concerns have been raised about its potentially addictive nature and impact on mental well-being. Social media addiction is defined as excessive use that impairs psychological health and personal relationships. The components model of addiction identifies six fundamental components: salience, mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, conflict, and relapse. Recent research suggests that specific internet-related activities, such as online gaming, social networking, and online gambling, may lead to addictive behaviors. The DSM-5 recognizes internet gaming disorder as a potential disorder, but PSMU is also becoming a growing mental health concern. Psychometric instruments, such as the BSMAS, are being developed to assess PSMU. The study demonstrates that the Arabic BSMAS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing problematic social media use in an Arabic context.