Dysfunction of Self-Regulation and Self-Control in Facebook Addiction

The Role of Machiavellianism and Interdependent Agency in Facebook Intrusion

Facebook is one the most popular social networking sites in the world. The social aspect and perceiving oneself in the context of relationships seem to be crucial in the analysis of Facebook use. In recent years the number of Facebook users has been increasing, which is related to the problem of Facebook intrusion. Machiavellianism and selected interdependence agency indicators (conformity, relatedness, and autonomy) are associated with social functioning, which is an important aspect of Facebook intrusion. The aim of the study was to check how Machiavelianism and the interdependent agency indicators mentioned above affect Facebook intrusion and whether Facebook intrusion decreases satisfaction with life. The participants in the online study were 715 Polish Facebook users. We administered the Facebook Intrusion Scale, Conformity, Relatedness, and Autonomy Scales, and the Satisfaction With Life Scale. The results show that the selected interdependence agency indicators predict Facebook intrusion. Our results revealed that a high level of Machiavellianism was related to a high level of Facebook intrusion in women. They also show that conformity is positively and autonomy negatively related to Facebook intrusion and that Facebook decreases reduces satisfaction with life. The presented research thus contributes to knowledge about Facebook usage patterns.

COVID-19-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders Relation With Social Media Addiction Among University Students: Mediating Role of Fear of Missing Out

OBJECTIVE

Traumatic experiences and stressful life events have crippling outcomes on individuals' psychiatric disorders and are also frequently comorbid with addictive behaviors. This study aims to propose a mediation model to examine the association between coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19)-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social media addiction (SMA) among university students, and the mediating role of fear of missing out (FoMO).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study with 856 university students (mean age 19.2 years; 67.9% female) was conducted in China. The COVID-19-related PTSD scale, the FoMO scale, and the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale were used, in addition to an online questionnaire addressing participants' sociodemographic information. Descriptive statistics and correlations were conducted with SPSS 21.0. The Structural Equation Model (SEM) with AMOS 21.0 was performed to assess the hypothesized mediation mode. The bootstrap with the 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed to test the significance of the mediating effect.

RESULTS

SEM demonstrated that COVID-19-related PTSD symptoms significantly and negatively influenced SMA (β=0.247, p<0.001), FoMO significantly and positively affected university students' SMA (β=0.341, p<0.001), and FoMO partially mediated the association between COVID-19-related PTSD symptoms and SMA. The mediation effect of FoMO was 0.176, with bootstrapping 95% CI=0.123, 0.235.

CONCLUSION

The main effects of COVID-19-related PTSD symptoms and FoMO on SMA among university students were identified, providing intervention strategies for mental health professionals on how to reduce the risk of SMA when confronting future traumatic events and public health crises.

The Association Between Neuroticism and Problematic Social Networking Sites Use: The Role of Fear of Missing out and Self-Control

Problematic use of social networking sites (SNS) has a negative impact on mental health. It has been found that people who score high on neuroticism are especially vulnerable towards engaging with SNS in a problematic way but it is not clear which psychological mechanisms explain this relationship. We addressed this issue by examining the mediating role of fear of missing out and self-control in the relationship between neuroticism and problematic SNS use. For this purpose, we conducted a cross-sectional study (n = 151, 69.5% female, Mage = 26.23, SD = 7.52) and tested for parallel mediation using structural equation modelling. Neuroticism was found to be predictive of increased levels of problematic SNS use. Moreover, neuroticism was associated with both increased levels of fear of missing out and decreased levels of self-control. However, only fear of missing out was found to robustly mediate the relationship between neuroticism and problematic use of SNS. These findings suggest that fear of missing out could be an intervention target to prevent people scoring high on neuroticism from engaging in problematic SNS use.

Mobile phone short video use negatively impacts attention functions: an EEG study

The pervasive nature of short-form video platforms has seamlessly integrated into daily routines, yet it is important to recognize their potential adverse effects on both physical and mental health. Prior research has identified a detrimental impact of excessive short-form video consumption on attentional behavior, but the underlying neural mechanisms remain unexplored. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of short-form video use on attentional functions, measured through the attention network test (ANT). A total of 48 participants, consisting of 35 females and 13 males, with a mean age of 21.8 years, were recruited. The mobile phone short video addiction tendency questionnaire (MPSVATQ) and self-control scale (SCS) were conducted to assess the short video usage behavior and self-control ability. Electroencephalogram (EEG) data were recorded during the completion of the ANT task. The correlation analysis showed a significant negative relationship between MPSVATQ and theta power index reflecting the executive control in the prefrontal region (r = -0.395, p = 0.007), this result was not observed by using theta power index of the resting-state EEG data. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was identified between MPSVATQ and SCS outcomes (r = -0.320, p = 0.026). These results suggest that an increased tendency toward mobile phone short video addiction could negatively impact self-control and diminish executive control within the realm of attentional functions. This study sheds light on the adverse consequences stemming from short video consumption and underscores the importance of developing interventions to mitigate short video addiction.

Materialism and Problematic Social Network Sites Use Among Chinese Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem and Self-Control

Prior studies have ascertained some risk factors of problematic social network sites use (PSNSU). Nevertheless, few research has examined the potential impact of materialism on PSNSU, as well as underlying mechanisms between this relationship. The present study investigated whether materialism would be linked with adolescents' PSNSU and whether self-esteem and self-control would mediate them. A sample of 1238 Chinese adolescents (53.6% females) completed measurements regarding demographics, materialism, PSNSU, self-esteem, and self-control. After controlling for gender and age, the results indicated that: (a) materialism was positively correlated with PSNSU; (b) materialism can indirectly affect PSNSU through the mediating effects of self-control; and (c) materialism can indirectly affect PSNSU through the sequential mediating role of self-esteem and self-control. These findings not only provide a new perspective for the cultivation of adolescents' values, but also contribute an important driving force for the prevention and intervention of adolescents' PSNSU in the information technology era.

Genetic polymorphism in HTR2A rs6313 is associated with internet addiction disorder

Introduction

Internet addiction disorder (IAD) has grown into public health concern of global proportions. Previous studies have indicated that individuals with IAD may exhibit altered levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are known to play crucial roles in depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and addiction. Therefore, polymorphisms in the receptors that mediate the effects of serotonin and dopamine and affect their functional states as well as their activities are suspect. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between IAD and rs6313 (T102C) polymorphism in the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2A) gene, (HTR2A).

Methods

Twenty patients with IAD and twenty healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Barratt Impulse Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) were used to assess the severity of internet addiction, mental status, impulsive traits, sleep quality, and social support. Genotyping was performed to identify rs6313 polymorphisms in the HTR2A gene of all participants.

Results

The frequencies of the C and T alleles of HTR2A T102C were 28% and 72% in the IAD group and 53% and 47% in the HCs group, respectively, indicating that the differences between these two groups were significant. No significant difference was observed in the distribution of the CC, CT, and TT genotypes of HTR2A gene T102C between the IAD and the HCs groups. Additionally, there was no difference in the distribution of the frequencies of the HTR2A gene T102C CC and CT+TT genotypes between the two groups. However, the distribution between the TT and CC+CT genotypes showed an apparent statistical difference in the HTR2A gene T102C between the two groups. Correlation analysis indicated that the IAT score was positively correlated with the Y-BOCS and BIS scores for the CC+CT genotype in patients with IAD. Moreover, the IAT score was positively correlated with the PSQI score in patients with IAD carrying the TT genotype.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that rs6313 in HTR2A is associated with IAD, and that the T allele of rs6313 in HTR2A may be a risk factor for IAD.

Social network site use and materialistic values: the roles of self-control and self-acceptance

BACKGROUND

While prior studies have established a close association between the use of social network sites (SNSs) and materialistic values, there is limited understanding of the mediating and moderating mechanisms related to important self-related processes, such as self-control and self-acceptance. This paper explores whether and how these factors play a role in comprehending online behavior. One could state that frequent SNS use may pose a risk of virtual addiction, may be related to decreased self-control capacity, and may increase attention to material information on SNS, thereby making it more likely that users affiliate with behaviors associated with materialistic values. In contrast, self-acceptance, as a stable self-process indicating a genuine alignment with one's true self and the ability to make decisions based on inner needs, may be related with reduced engagement in complex information on SNSs. Consequently, this could serve as a buffer against excessive SNS use and its potential associations with issues of self-control and materialistic values.

METHODS

A total of 706 Chinese college students were surveyed in a cross-sectional study. They completed self-report questionnaires including the WeChat use intensity scale, the Material Value Scale, the Trait Self-control Scale, and the Self-acceptance Questionnaire. A moderated mediation model was examined to test predictions.

RESULTS

SNS use intensity was positively associated with materialistic values, and self-control partially mediated this association. That is, higher intensity SNS users are more likely lower in self-control, which relates to stronger materialistic values. In addition, the indirect effect through self-control was moderated by self-acceptance, such that this indirect effect was significant only for individuals with low levels of self-acceptance.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals that self-acceptance may be a protective factor that helps to mitigate excessive SNS use and its potential effects on self-control and materialistic values. It further suggests that psychological interventions targeting the enhancement of self-acceptance and self-control could hold promise in alleviating the negative association between SNS use and materialistic values.

Smartphone Addiction Among University Students' During the Post-COVID-19 Era: The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Future Anxiety

OBJECTIVE

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic-related psychological symptoms can lead to smartphone addiction (SPA) risk and other behavioral disorders, thus impacting individuals' mental health and well-being. The present study aims to propose a mediation model to investigate the association between emotional intelligence (EI) and SPA, and the mediating role of future anxiety (FA) during the post-COVID-19 era.

METHODS

An online questionnaire including the Emotional Intelligence Scale, the Dark Future Scale, and the Smartphone Addiction Scale among university students from China, was conducted between September 14 and November 22, 2022. Finally, 1,154 valid questionnaires were collected. The reliability and confirmatory factor analysis results showed that all three scales had good reliability and validity.

RESULTS

Structural Equation Model demonstrated that EI significantly and negatively influenced SPA (β=0.211, p<0.001), university students' FA significantly and positively effected SPA (β=0.315, p<0.001), EI significantly predicted SPA in university students, and FA partially mediated the association between EI and SPA. The mediation effect of FA was 0.110, which accounted for 34.27% of the total effect. Bootstrap results furthermore tested the rigor of the mediating effect.

CONCLUSION

These findings broaden our understanding regarding the relationship between EI and SPA and the mediating role of FA, providing new sights for educators on how to reduce the risk of SPA when confronting the ongoing and possible future pandemics.

Self-Control and Digital Media Addiction: The Mediating Role of Media Multitasking and Time Style

Introduction

As being an initiating actions and resisting short-term temptations, self-control is negatively related to digital media addiction. However, many studies indicate that there are variables that may mediate this relationship. The present study investigated the mediating role of media multitasking and time style in the relationship between self-control and digital media addiction.

Methods

The study included N= 2193 participants with a mean age of M = 23.26 (SD = 6.98) from seven countries: Brazil, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Poland, Turkey, and the United States. The authors used the Brief Self-Control Scale, the Media Multitasking Scale, the Time Styles Scale, the Problematic Smartphone Use Scale, the Problematic Internet Use Scale, and the Problematic Facebook Use Scale.

Results

Results revealed that self-control was negatively related to all assessed types of problematic digital media use, namely problematic Internet use, problematic smartphone use, and problematic Facebook use. Media multitasking was found to be a significant mediator of the relationship between self-control and problematic digital media use.

Discussion

High self-control can be preventative against uncontrolled and automatic social media checking, whereas low self-control fosters the habit of continuously remaining current.

Association between Facebook Addiction, Depression, and Emotional Regulation among Women

Facebook has grown to be one of the most widely used communication platforms. A new condition linked with widespread use has emerged with its expanding popularity: Facebook addiction. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used in the current study, in two randomly selected villages (Elmanial and Batra) and one town (Talkha city) affiliated with Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. Data were collected from women only through using a self-administered socio-demographic questionnaire, Facebook addiction scale, Beck depression inventory-II, and emotional regulation scale. The study found 83.7% of the studied women reported moderate emotional regulation; 27.9% had moderate Facebook addiction, and 23.9% reported mild depression. The study concluded there was a significant negative correlation between Facebook addiction and emotional regulation.

Longitudinal and daily associations between adolescent self-control and digital technology use

There is fear that adolescents have limited control over their digital technology use. The current research examines longitudinal (Study 1) and daily (Study 2) associations between U.S. adolescents' self-control and digital technological impairment and use. Using a large sample (N = 2,104; Wave 1: Mage = 12.36, 52% female, 57% economically disadvantaged, 48% racial minority), Study 1 tested how changes in adolescents' self-control and perceived technological impairment co-occur across time (between-person associations) and if self-control and perceived impairment are prospectively and bidirectionally associated with each other (within-person associations). There was evidence of between-person associations, in that poorer self-control and perceived technological impairment both increase over adolescence, and these increases are positively associated with each other. However, there was no evidence of prospective within-person associations. Using a subsample from Study 1 (N = 388), Study 2 found support for a between-person association for self-control and using digital technology for entertainment, in which adolescents who reported poorer self-control relative to their peers also engaged in greater digital technology use for entertainment. There was no robust support for within-person associations. These findings suggest that adolescents with poorer self-control may have established tendencies to experience greater technological impairment and use more digital technology for entertainment, but the lack of within-person associations indicate caution is needed for a cause-and-effect relation. Adolescents with existing poorer self-control may be more vulnerable to problematic digital technology use in a developmental period where digital technology is particularly rewarding, and intervention and prevention efforts should be geared toward these adolescents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

The influence of Facebook intrusion and task context on cognitive control

Social networking sites, especially Facebook, have become increasingly popular over the past decades. However, besides the benefits of using Facebook, negative effects in the form of Facebook intrusion are also increasingly pointed out. Much of the research focuses on personality, emotional and social factors related to Facebook intrusion. However, there has been limited research on the relationship between this type of behavioural addiction and cognitive functioning. Consequently, the current study aimed to verify the relationship between Facebook intrusion and cognitive control in light of the dual mechanism of cognitive control model. Additionally, the study aim was to verify the impact of the Facebook-related context on cognitive control (proactive and reactive modes) compared to neutral and positive contexts. The participants (N = 82 young adults, 57 female, M = 22.24 years, SD = 2.67 years, age range 18-35 years) were divided into two groups based on their level of Facebook intrusion. The Facebook intrusion scale was used to assess the level of Facebook intrusion. The AX-CPT task was used to assess proactive and reactive control modes in three task contexts: Facebook-related, neutral and positive. The current study results show that the participants with high Facebook intrusion had greater reactive control than participants with low Facebook intrusion. The differences between Facebook-related, neutral context and positive context were not found. However, the present findings demonstrate the interaction between Facebook intrusion and task context in cognitive control. More specifically, participants with low Facebook intrusion had greater proactive control than participants with high Facebook intrusion in the Facebook-related and positive context.

The Relationship between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Problematic Facebook Use: The Indirect Effects of Perceived Stress

Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms. As well as facilitating contact and the exchange of information, the use of Facebook can lead to problematic Facebook use (PFU) among a small number of users. Previous studies have shown the relationship between PFU and early maladaptive schemas (EMSs). Additionally, previous studies have reported associations between PFU and perceived stress and between EMSs and perceived stress. Consequently, the main aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between PFU and EMSs and the role of perceived stress as a mediator of this relationship. The study comprised 993 Facebook users (505 female, M = 27.38 years, SD = 4.79, aged from 18 to 35 years). PFU was assessed using the eight-item Facebook Intrusion Scale, perceived stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Questionnaire, and EMSs were assessed using the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-S3). The results suggested that insufficient self-control/self-discipline, approval seeking, dependence/incompetence, enmeshment, and entitlement/grandiosity schemas were positively associated with PFU. There was also a negative relationship between PFU and EMSs, such as social isolation/alienation and defectiveness/shame schemas. The findings showed that PFU was positively associated with external stress. Additionally, external stress had an indirect effect in the relationship between mistrust/abuse and PFU, failure to achieve and PFU, and self-punitiveness and PFU. These results contribute to a better understanding of PFU development mechanisms associated with early maladaptive schemas and perceived stress. Additionally, knowing the EMSs associated with PFU and perceived stress might improve the therapeutic interventions and prevention of this problematic behavior.

Enjoyment or Indulgence? Social Media Service Usage, Social Gratification, Self-Control Failure and Emotional Health

Social networking site smartphone applications have been widely used among Chinese young adults. However, less is known about their effects on emotional health and the mechanisms through which they function. This study analyzes the relationship between college students' smartphone social networking service use patterns, social gratification, social media self-control failure, and emotional health. Data was collected from 360 college students in China via application log tracking and a self-administered questionnaire. Structural equation modeling results showed that, after controlling for demographic variables, the use of video social networking site smartphone applications was associated with decreased social gratification, and ultimately, adverse emotional health. Using social networking site smartphone applications late at night exhibited worse emotional health via more social media self-control failure. The implications for designing and using social media applications are discussed.

Problematic Internet use in Adults: The Role of Happiness, Psychological Resilience, Dispositional Hope, and Self-control and Self-management

There is increasing literature examining the use of problematic internet in the context of psychological factors. Most of these studies are focused on the young population. On the other hand, the prolongation of human life and the increasing rate of adult individuals in society's population cannot be ignored. It is seen that the number of research examining the use of problematic internet in the context of psychological factors is quite limited. In this current study, the problematic internet usage of primary and secondary school students' parents was examined in happiness, psychological resilience, dispositional hope, self-control and self-management. The research was conducted on 1123 parents. Path analysis was performed to discover the relations between the structures. As a result of the path analysis, it was determined that there is a significant negative relationship between problematic internet use and happiness, problematic internet use and psychological resilience, problematic internet use, and dispositional hope. According to these findings, adults' high happiness levels, psychological resilience, and hope levels will reduce their problematic internet use. It has been determined that there is a significant indirect relationship between self-control and self-management and problematic internet use. Happiness, psychological resilience, and dispositional hope mediating role in this relationship. Increasing parents' happiness levels, developing psychological resilience, increasing dispositional hope levels, and developing self-control and self-management skills will reduce problematic internet use. In line with the findings, what can be done to reduce the use of problematic internet has been discussed.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10942-022-00482-y.

Predicting Patterns of Problematic Smartphone Use among University Students: A Latent Class Analysis

University students are consistently ranked among the highest users of smartphones. As such, recent research has focused on examining the antecedents and consequences of problematic smartphone use among university students. While this work has been instrumental to our understanding of the risk and protective factors of developing problematic smartphone use, it has been largely variable-centered and thus fails to recognize the diversity with which problematic smartphone use is experienced among university students. As such, this study employed a person-centered approach (i.e., latent class analysis) to classify individuals based on patterns of problematic smartphone use feature/symptom cooccurrence among a sample of 403 Canadian university students. The relationships between these subgroups (or classes) and potential covariates (i.e., self-regulation, attachment anxiety, and attachment avoidance) were then examined to gain a more complete understanding of university students’ experiences of problematic smartphone use. Three classes of problematic smartphone use were identified: (1) “connected” displaying the features/symptoms of problematic smartphone use associated with being constantly connected to smartphones; (2) “problematic” displaying all of the features/symptoms of problematic smartphone use; (3) “distracted” displaying the features/symptoms associated with being distracted by smartphones. Findings indicate that attachment anxiety and avoidance were significantly associated with membership in the most pathological (i.e., “problematic”) class, suggesting that this may be an especially important risk factor for developing problematic smartphone use among university students. Moreover, self-regulation was significantly related to membership in the least pathological class (i.e., “connected”) suggesting that this may function as an important protective factor in developing more concerning patterns of problematic smartphone use. Findings from this work provide empirical evidence of a heterogeneity in patterns of problematic smartphone use associated with distinct individual-level risk factors. This has important implications for conceptualizations of problematic smartphone use and the development of intervention and prevention efforts.

Risk-Taking Behavior Among Male Adolescents: The Role of Observer Presence and Individual Self-Control

A number of studies have focused on the same-sex peer effect on and the developmental difference in adolescent risk-taking in terms of the dual systems model. Little research, however, addresses the effects of different observers, the role of different levels of individual self-control, and their interactions. To fill this gap, the present study examined the main and interactive effects of observer presence and individual self-control on male adolescents' risk-taking behavior with an experimental design. A total of 261 male adolescents (M_age = 15.79 ± 0.79, range = 14-18) completed an adapted Stoplight Task, which measures risk-taking behavior, in the presence of an observer, either peer or adult, either male or female. The results indicated that a same-sex peer's presence and low self-control were both risk factors of male adolescents' risk-taking, but did only low self-control male adolescents take serious risks when in the presence of a same-sex peer whereas those with high self-control consistently had low levels of risk-taking under any condition. An opposite-sex observer, particularly an opposite-sex adult's presence, played a similar protective role for male adolescents with low self-control. The findings suggest that a high level of self-control closely related to the cognitive control system may significantly buffer the negative effect of an adverse social stimulus which activates the social-emotional system on male adolescents' risk-taking; the findings also reveal that an opposite-sex adult's presence may contribute to a decrease in male adolescents' risk-taking by improving their cognitive control system.

Tackling the 'digital pandemic': The effectiveness of psychological intervention strategies in problematic Internet and smartphone use-A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Problematic Internet and smartphone use is associated with serious mental health problems. We thus investigated the effectiveness of psychological interventions on problematic Internet and smartphone use.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis and searched in PubMed, PsyArticles, PsycInfo, Medline and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed experimental and quasi-experimental research published between 2008 and 2021.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies accompanied by 14 effect sizes were included in the meta-analyses for problematic Internet use and 3 studies accompanied by 4 effect sizes for problematic smartphone use. The total sample size was n = 1439 with a mean age of 20.34 (SD = 6.63) years. Psychological interventions were effective for both problematic Internet use (g = -1.41, 95% confidence interval = [-1.90, -0.91], p < 0.001) and problematic smartphone use (g = -0.40, 95% confidence interval = [-0.79, -0.01], p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Current evidence indicates that psychological interventions can be effective in reducing problematic Internet use/problematic smartphone use. However, the results must be considered preliminary due to the limited number of studies available in the respective fields.

The Facilitative Effect of Impulsiveness on The Dark Triad and Social Network Sites Addiction

This research investigated the relationships of the Dark Triad, impulsiveness, and social network sites (SNS) addiction with adolescents. In particular, this research examined the indirect effects of the measured motor, attentional, and nonplanning impulsiveness on the relationship of the Dark Triad and SNS addiction. To examine the possible antecedents of SNS addiction, 169 adolescents aged 14-17 were recruited for this research. After obtaining informed consents from their legal guardians, these adolescents completed the Dirty Dozen, the modified Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale – version 11. Results showed that the Dark Triad composite score was positively correlated with SNS addiction and the different aspects of impulsiveness, while SNS addiction was positively correlated with motor impulsiveness. The indirect effect of motor impulsiveness on the relationship of the Dark Triad and SNS addiction was significant. The present findings provide theoretical insights to the development of SNS addiction.

The Relationship Between Self-Control and Internet Addiction Among Students: A Meta-Analysis

As past studies of self-control and Internet addiction showed mixed results, this meta-analysis of 83 primary studies with 80,681 participants determined whether (a) these students with less self-control had greater Internet addiction, and (b) age, culture, gender, Internet addiction measures, or year moderated these relations. We used a random-effects meta-analysis of Pearson product-moment coefficients r with Fisher’s z-transformation and tested for moderation with the homogeneity tests. The results showed a positive link between impulsivity and Internet addiction (r = 0.371, 95% CI = [0.311, 0.427]) and a negative link between restraint and Internet addiction (r = −0.362, 95% CI = [−0.414, −0.307]). The moderation analysis indicated that the correlation between impulsivity indicators and greater Internet addiction was stronger among undergraduates (18–22 years old) than among adolescents (10–17 years old). Furthermore, the negative link between a restraint indicator and Internet addiction was greater (a) among students in East Asia than those in Western Europe/North America, (b) among males than females and (c) when using the Internet addiction measures GPIUS or IAT rather than CIAS. Hence, these results indicate a negative link between self-control and Internet addiction, and this link is moderated by age, culture, gender, and Internet addiction measure.

Viewing personalized video clips recommended by TikTok activates default mode network and ventral tegmental area

Cutting-edge recommendation algorithms have been widely used by media platforms to suggest users with personalized content. While such user-specific recommendations may satisfy users' needs to obtain intended information, some users may develop a problematic use pattern manifested by addiction-like undesired behaviors. Using a popular video sharing and recommending platform (TikTok) as an example, the present study first characterized use-related undesired behaviors with a questionnaire, then investigated how personally recommended videos modulated brain activity with an fMRI experiment. We found more undesired symptoms were related to lower self-control ability among young adults, and about 5.9% of TikTok users may have significant problematic use. The fMRI results showed higher brain activations in sub-components of the default mode network (DMN), ventral tegmental area, and discrete regions including lateral prefrontal, anterior thalamus, and cerebellum when viewing personalized videos in contrast to non-personalized ones. Psychophysiological interaction analyses revealed stronger coupling between activated DMN subregions and neural pathways underlying auditory and visual processing, as well as the frontoparietal network. This study highlights the functional heterogeneity of DMN in viewing personalized videos and may shed light on the neural underpinnings of how recommendation algorithms are able to keep the user's attention to suggested contents.

The Determinants of Panic Buying during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen an unmatched level of panic buying globally, a type of herd behavior whereby consumers buy an uncommonly huge amount of products because of a perception of scarcity. Drawing on the health belief model, perceived scarcity, and anticipated regret theories, this paper formulated a theoretical model that linked the determinants of panic buying and analyzed their interrelationships. Subsequently, data were collated from 508 consumers through an online survey questionnaire in Singapore that was conducted during the early stage of the pandemic, before the onset of the circuit breaker in April 2020. Next, an analysis of the results was done through structural equation modeling. It showed that the effect of the health belief model dimensions (i.e., perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, outcome expectation, cues to action, and self-efficacy) on panic buying is partially mediated by the consumers' perceived scarcity of products. Furthermore, the effect of perceived scarcity on panic buying is partially mediated by consumers' anticipation of regret. This paper expands on the current theoretical understanding of panic buying behavior, giving insights into the possible measures and solutions that policymakers and relevant stakeholders can uptake to manage panic buying in future a pandemic or health crisis.

Facebook Intrusion as a Mediator Between Positive Capital and General Distress: A Cross-Cultural Study

Background: Social networking sites (SNSs) play an important role in many aspects of life nowadays, and it seems to be crucial to explore their impact on human well-being and functioning. The main aim of the study was to examine the mediating role of Facebook intrusion between positive capital and general distress. Positive capital was considered as comprising self-esteem, ego-resiliency, and self-control, while general distress was seen as having three dimensions: depression, anxiety, and stress. Methods: The sample consisted of N = 4,495 participants (M = 22.96 years, SD = 5.46) from 14 countries: Australia, Cyprus, Greece, Hong Kong, Lithuania, New Zealand, Peru, Poland, Russia, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States. We used the following methods: the Facebook Intrusion Questionnaire (FIQ), the Self-Esteem Scale (SES), the Brief Self-Control Scale (SCS), The Ego Resiliency Revised Scale and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Results: We found that Facebook intrusion was a mediator between self-esteem and general distress and between self-control and general distress. Limitations: The present study was based on a cross-sectional study, and the measures used were self-report measures. The majority of the participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Conclusions: The present findings contribute to a better understanding on how the social media have impact on individual mental health. Implications for future studies are discussed.

The Relationship between Problematic Facebook Use and Early Maladaptive Schemas

Facebook is an increasingly popular online social media platform for communication, entertainment, and information exchange. Previous studies have shown the relationship between problematic Facebook use (PFU) and mental health problems. Additionally, previous studies have reported associations between maladaptive cognitive schemas and mental health problems. However, little is known about their impact on problematic behavior associated with Facebook use. Consequently, the present study investigated the relationship between PFU and early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) among Facebook users. The study comprised 619 Facebook users (568 females; age range from 18 to 30 years; M = 21.34, SD = 2.41 years). The severity of PFU was assessed using the Facebook Intrusion Scale, and EMS dimensions were assessed using the 90-item Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ–S3). The findings showed a positive relationship between PFU and EMSs, such as insufficient self-control/self-discipline and approval seeking. PFU was negatively associated with EMSs, such as social isolation/alienation and self-sacrifice schemas. Additionally, the findings showed that EMSs, as well as Facebook use characteristics, such as the time spent using Facebook per week, using Facebook apps, and number of friends on Facebook contributed to explaining the variance in PFU scores. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of mechanisms related to the development of PFU, which are associated with cognitive schemas. Additionally, the results may be useful in developing more effective methods of prevention and treatment of this problematic behavior.

The Relationship Between Problematic Video Gaming, Problematic Facebook Use, and Self-Control Dimensions Among Female and Male Gamers

The development of new technology has contributed to changes in everyday functioning. However, one possible negative aspect of new technologies is their problematic, uncontrolled use. Dysfunctional self-control is a critical aspect of problematic behavior. Consequently, the present research investigated the relationship between problematic video gaming (PVG), problematic Facebook use (PFU), and self-control dimensions among female and male gamers. The study comprised 830 videogame players (350 female gamers) aged from 15 to 31 years. PFU was assessed using the Facebook Intrusion Scale, and PVG was assessed using the Problem Video Game Playing Questionnaire. Self-control dimensions were assessed using the 50-item Nowy Arkusz Samowiedzy (Self-Knowledge New Sheet; NAS-50). Findings showed that lower goal maintenance was associated with higher PFU, whereas lower initiative and persistence was associated with higher PVG among both groups. Additionally, there was a negative association between inhibition and adjournment and problematic behaviors among male gamers. In contrast, PFU was associated inhibition and adjournment among female gamers. The findings demonstrate the difference between both genders in the relationship between PVG and self-control. These findings enable a better understanding of the relationship between problematic behaviors and self-control among gamers and the differences between female and male gamers.

PROBLEMATIC INTERNET USE AND HEALTH OUTCOMES: DOES TRAIT SELF-CONTROL MATTER?

Problematic internet use is prevalent among university students, and it has been associated with increased adverse health outcomes. The results of existing research are mixed regarding the effects of problematic internet use on health outcomes. To resolve this ambiguity, we drew upon the self-control theory and person-situation interaction model to propose trait self-control as a moderator in the relationship between problematic internet use and adverse health outcomes. The study participants comprised 273 students from both public and private universities in Nigeria. Results reveal that problematic internet use is a significant predictor of adverse health outcomes. However, we find no evidence to support our postulated Hypothesis that trait selfcontrol moderates the effects of problematic internet use on adverse health outcomes. Implications, limitations, and potential for future research are highlighted.  

The Effect of Mind Subtraction Meditation Intervention on Smartphone Addiction and the Psychological Wellbeing among Adolescents

As the smartphone has become an indispensable device in modern lives, consequential psychosocial problems such as smartphone addiction have been getting attention worldwide, especially regarding adolescents. Based on its positive effect on young individuals’ mental health, mind subtraction meditation has been widely applied to many school-based programs in South Korea. This study aims to identify the effects of a school program based on mind subtraction on the smartphone addiction of adolescents. A total of 49 high school sophomores, 24 from the experimental group (mean age = 16), and 25 from the control group (mean age = 16) are included in this case-control study. The experimental group is given the meditation program sessions in the morning, two times a week for 20 min per session, for a total of 12 weeks. The experimental group shows improvements regarding the ‘smartphone addiction’ section (p < 0.001), for instant satisfaction (p < 0.001) and long-term satisfaction (p < 0.001). Concerning the ‘self-control’ section and decreasing stress (p < 0.001), problem focusing (p < 0.001), and social support navigation (p = 0.018), there are improvements in these ‘stress coping strategies’ sections. This study directly shows the positive effect of mind subtraction meditation on smartphone addiction in adolescents and, thus, provides guidance to the future development of smartphone addiction prevention programs for young individuals.

Problematic Social-Networks-Use in German Children and Adolescents-The Interaction of Need to Belong, Online Self-Regulative Competences, and Age

Adolescents nowadays spend much time communicating via social networks. Recent investigations also report a noticeable proportion showing a problematic usage behavior, underlining the importance of better understanding its development and maintenance in young individuals. Theoretical views on Internet-use disorders assume that specific predispositions and needs can contribute to addictive behaviors in interaction with further aspects including Internet-related cognitive biases. This study focuses on vulnerable individuals due to their age and investigates interactions between possible risk (need to belong, NTB) and protective factors (online self-regulative competences, OSRC). Participants (N = 466) between 10 and 17 years answered questionnaires assessing social-networks-use disorder symptoms, NTB, and OSRC. Moderated regression analysis revealed significant effects of age, NTB, and OSRC. Three-way interaction was also significant (potentially mainly caused by females), with highest social-networks-use disorder symptoms found for individuals with high NTB and low OSRC, especially when older. With high OSRC, symptoms were significantly lower for both younger and older individuals having high NTB. However, even if NTB was low, older individuals showed high social-networks-use disorder symptoms if their OSRC were low. The results highlight the importance of improving specific competences to prevent problematic usage behaviors, which should be considered in youth-tailored prevention and intervention programs.

The Role of Depression and Self-Esteem in Facebook Intrusion and Gaming Disorder among Young Adult Gamers

In the modern day, it is important to identify the determinants of Facebook addiction and game disorder. The main aim of our study is to examine the relationship between Facebook intrusion, gaming disorder and depression to verify whether depression mediates the relationship between these types of addiction and self-esteem. A total of 235 video game players took place in the study. We used the Facebook Intrusion Scale, Problem Videogame Playing Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The findings indicate that depression and frequency of use are associated with Facebook intrusion and gaming disorder. Symptoms of depression and time spent using games or Facebook are predictors of these behavioural addictions. The results indicate that depression fully mediated the relationship between self-esteem and these types of addiction. Also, our results demonstrated that the model assuming a correlation between gaming disorder and Facebook intrusion was fitted to data, while the model assuming no correlation was not fitted to data. While previous studies indicated low self-esteem as a predictor of Facebook intrusion and gaming disorder, the current findings indicate that this association is mediated by the depression. Also, our results may support hypotheses of similar addiction mechanisms in the case of gaming disorder and Facebook intrusion.

Dysfunction of Self-Control in Facebook Addiction: Impulsivity Is the Key

Facebook is one of the most popular social network sites and communication platforms. However, besides many positive elements related to the use of this network site, in some cases it may lead to addiction. Therefore, the main aim of our study was to identify Facebook addiction predictors, in particular, to verify whether impulsivity, as a dimension of self-control, is an important predictor of this type of addiction. We also examined whether Facebook addiction predictors such as time spent using Facebook, use of Facebook smartphone apps, state orientation and female gender would be significant in our model of Facebook addiction. The 234 participants in the study were assessed using the Facebook Intrusion Questionnaire, the Brief Self-Control Scale and the Action Control Scale. Impulsivity as a dimension of self-control, action control, amount of time spent on Facebook, Facebook app use and gender were found to be related to Facebook addiction. Specifically, a high level of impulsivity, more time spent using Facebook, female gender and Facebook smartphone app use are predictors of Facebook addiction. However, the relation between state orientation, restraint as a dimension of self-control and Facebook addiction was insignificant. Our results may indicate the role of impulsivity as a dimension of self-control in Facebook addiction. In addition, they may suggest that self-control should be taken into account not only as a one-dimensional but also as a multidimensional construct in Facebook addiction research. Our findings may also contribute to the better preparation of prevention and therapeutic programmes for people at risk of Facebook addiction.

Strategies for self-controlling social media use: Classification and role in preventing social media addiction symptoms

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Many people present excessive patterns of social networking site (SNS) use and try to self-regulate it. However, little is known regarding the strategies employed by young adult SNS users and their role in preventing the emergence of addiction-like symptoms in relation to SNS use.

METHODS

In Study 1, we employed a naturalistic-qualitative approach for finding commonly employed self-control strategies in relation to SNS use. In Study 2, we examined differences between the frequency and difficulty of the strategies identified in Study 1 and tested the process through which trait self-control exerts influence on reducing SNS addiction symptomology.

RESULTS

Study 1 revealed six families of self-control strategies, some reactive and some proactive. Study 2 pinpointed the most commonly used and most difficult to enact ones. It also showed that the difficulty to enact self-control strategies in relation to SNS use partially mediates the effect of trait self-control via SNS use habit on SNS addiction symptom severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the present findings revealed that strategies for self-controlling SNS use are common and complex. Their theoretical and clinical significance stems from their ability to prevent the translation of poor trait self-control and strong SNS use habit to the emergence of excessive use as manifested in SNS addiction-like symptoms.

The relationships between self-efficacy, self-control, chronotype, procrastination and sleep problems in young adults

The main aim of our study was to examine whether there was a relationship between psychological characteristics such as self-efficacy, self-control and chronotype as well as procrastination on the one hand and sleep problems on the other. There were 315 young adults aged between 18 and 27 years (M = 20.57). We used the General Procrastination Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Brief Self-Control Scale, the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Our results indicated that low self-efficacy, low self-control and eveningness were positive predictors of procrastination. The reciprocal relationship exists between procrastination and sleep problems. Procrastination positively contributed to sleep problems, whereas sleep problems were a negative predictor of procrastination.

The Impact of Facebook Use and Facebook Intrusion on Cognitive Control: Effect in Proactive and Reactive Control

More and more people are using social networking sites, with Facebook being one of the most popular. So far, most of the research on using Facebook has focused on emotional, social, and personality-related factors and few studies have investigated the phenomenon from a cognitive perspective. The aim of our study was, therefore, to identify relationships between cognitive control and Facebook intrusion, with regard to proactive and reactive modes of cognitive control. The study was also designed to investigate the effects of neutral and Facebook-related context. The subjects (N = 80 young adults, M_age = 21.13 years; SD = 1.60) were divided into two groups based on their level of Facebook intrusion. The Facebook Intrusion Scale was used for selection. Using the AX-continuous performance task, we found that subjects with high Facebook intrusion showed more reactive control than their low Facebook intrusion peers. We also demonstrated that all subjects showed less proactive control in a Facebook-related context than in a neutral context. The results were interpreted in the light of the dual mechanism of cognitive control model.

Motives to use Facebook and problematic Facebook use in adolescents

Background and aims There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that problematic Facebook use (PFU) is an emerging problem, particularly among adolescents. Although a number of motivations explaining why people engage in frequent Facebook use have been identified, less is known about the specific psychological needs underlying PFU. The aim of this study is to test a model designed to assess the unique contribution of psychological motives for using Facebook to the different PFU dimensions in a sample of adolescents. Methods A total of 864 Italian adolescents participated in the study. Multivariate multiple regression was run to test whether the four motives were differently associated with problematic dimensions. Results The results showed that the two motives with negative valence (coping and conformity) were significantly linked to the five dimensions of PFU, whereas the two motives with positive valence (enhancement and social) appeared to be weaker predictors for three out of these five dimensions. Discussion and conclusion In conclusion, psychological motives for using Facebook appeared to significantly contribute to explaining PFU among adolescents, and should be considered by researchers and educational practitioners.

Internet addiction detection rate among college students in the People's Republic of China: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

With the development of economy and technology, the Internet is becoming more and more popular. Internet addiction has gradually become a serious issue in public health worldwide. The number of Internet users in China has reached 731 million, with an estimated 24 million adolescents determined as having Internet addiction. In this meta-analysis, we attempted to estimate the prevalence of Internet addiction among College Students in the People's Republic of China in order to improve the mental health level of college students and provide evidence for the prevention of Internet addiction.

METHODS

Eligible articles about the prevalence of Internet addiction among college students in China published between 2006 and 2017 were retrieved from online Chinese periodicals, the full-text databases of Wan Fang, VIP, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, as well as PubMed. Stata 11.0 was used to perform the analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 26 papers were included in the analyses. The overall sample size was 38,245, with 4573 diagnosed with Internet addiction. The pooled detection rate of Internet addiction was 11% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9-13%) among college students in China. The detection rate was higher in male students (16%) than female students (8%). The Internet addiction detection rate was 11% (95% CI 8-14%) in southern areas, 11% (95% CI 7-14%) in northern areas, 13% (95% CI 8-18%) in eastern areas and 9% (95% CI 8-11%) in the mid-western areas. According to different scales, the Internet addiction detection rate was 11% (95% CI 8-15%) using the Young scale and 9% (95% CI 6-11%) using the Chen scale respectively. Cumulative meta analysis showed that the detection rate had a slight upward trend and gradually stabilized in the last 3 years.

CONCLUSION

The pooled Internet addiction detection rate of Chinese college students in out study was 11%, which is higher than in some other countries and strongly demonstrates a worrisome situation. Effective measures should be taken to prevent further Internet addiction and improve the current situation.

Factorial validity of the Problematic Facebook Use Scale for adolescents and young adults

Background and aims Recent research on problematic Facebook use has highlighted the need to develop a specific theory-driven measure to assess this potential behavioral addiction. The aim of the present study was to examine the factorial validity of the Problematic Facebook Use Scale (PFUS) adapted from Caplan's Generalized Problematic Internet Scale model. Methods A total of 1,460 Italian adolescents and young adults (aged 14-29 years) participated in the study. Confirmatory factor analyses were performed in order to assess the factorial validity of the scale. Results Results revealed that the factor structure of the PFUS provided a good fit to the data. Furthermore, results of the multiple group analyses supported the invariance of the model across age and gender groups. Discussion and conclusions This study provides evidence supporting the factorial validity of the PFUS. This new scale provides a theory-driven tool to assess problematic use of Facebook among male and female adolescents and young adults.

Prevention of Internet addiction: A systematic review

Background and aims Out of a large number of studies on Internet addiction, only a few have been published on the prevention of Internet addiction. The aim of this study is provide a systematic review of scientific articles regarding the prevention of Internet addiction and to identify the relevant topics published in this area of interest. Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were adopted. The EBSCO, ProQuest Central, and PubMed databases were searched for texts published in English and Spanish between January 1995 and April 2016. A total of 179 original texts were obtained. After de-duplication and topic-relevance review, 108 texts were systematically classified and subjected to descriptive analysis and subsequent content analysis. Results The results of the content analysis yielded the following thematic areas: (a) target groups, (b) the improvement of specific skills, (c) program characteristics, and (d) environmental interventions. Discussion and conclusion Literature on the prevention of Internet addiction is scarce. There is an urgent need to introduce and implement new interventions for different at-risk populations, conduct well-designed research, and publish data on the effectiveness of these interventions. Developing prevention interventions should primarily target children and adolescents at risk of Internet addiction but also parents, teachers, peers, and others who are part of the formative environment of children and adolescents at risk of Internet addiction. Newly designed interventions focused on Internet addiction should be rigorously evaluated and the results published.