Spanish version of the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS): validity, reliability and measurement invariance

Background
With the rise in behavioral addictions, particularly technological addictions such as social networking site (SNS) addiction, it is crucial for mental health professionals to have accurate tools for early diagnosis. This study introduces the first Spanish version of the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) to facilitate early detection of SNS addiction among Spanish-speaking young adults. The study also examines the relationship between SNS addiction, life satisfaction, and Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), and explores measurement invariance across different demographic groups.
Methods
We translated the BSMAS into Spanish and administered it to a sample of Spanish young adults. The study evaluated the internal structure, reliability, and validity of the Spanish BSMAS. We conducted confirmatory factor analysis to confirm the scale's structure and assessed its internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha. Additionally, we analyzed correlations between BSMAS scores, life satisfaction (measured by the Satisfaction with Life Scale), and FOMO.
To ensure the BSMAS's applicability across different groups, we conducted a multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess measurement invariance. This analysis compared the scale's factor structure between Spanish and English-speaking samples and between individuals with and without SNS addiction. Measurement invariance was tested across four levels: configural, metric, strong, and strict.
 Results
The Spanish BSMAS demonstrated strong internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of α = .85. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a one-factor solution, capturing 51% of the variance, consistent with findings from Norway, Portugal, and Thailand. Measurement invariance testing indicated that the Spanish BSMAS exhibited full invariance across language groups and between individuals with and without SNS addiction, confirming that the scale functions equivalently across these groups.
Higher levels of FOMO and certain personality traits, such as high extraversion and neuroticism, were strongly linked to increased social media addiction. In contrast, greater life satisfaction was associated with lower addiction levels. Gender was found to be a significant factor influencing SNS addiction, with women showing higher addiction scores. 
Conclusions
The Spanish version of the BSMAS is a reliable and valid tool for assessing SNS addiction among Spanish young adults. The study highlights the significant role of FOMO and certain personality traits in SNS addiction, while life satisfaction serves as a protective factor. The measurement invariance results confirm that the BSMAS is applicable across different demographic groups, including language and addiction status. These findings provide a foundation for future research and interventions aimed at addressing SNS addiction, with considerations for gender differences and varying psychological factors.