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Sánchez-Fernández M, Borda-Mas M, Horvath Z, Demetrovics Z. Similarities and differences in the psychological factors associated with generalised problematic internet use, problematic social media use, and problematic online gaming. Compr Psychiatry 2024; 134:152512. [PMID: 38955108 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Problematic online behaviours are a concern among university students. Although previous research has identified that psychological distress, cognitive distortions, conscientiousness and neuroticism traits, motor impulsivity, and emotion regulation strategies have a significant direct effect on generalised problematic Internet use (GPIU), problematic social media use (PSMU), and problematic online gaming (POG), it is still necessary to determine the extent to which these psychological factors, taken together, are associated with each of the problematic online behaviours. In a sample of 690 Spanish university students, the present study examined the relationship of these psychological factors with GPIU, PSMU, and POG. Correlation and regression analyses were performed. Results reported that (1) high psychological distress, low conscientiousness trait and high motor impulsivity were common associated factors of GPIU and PSMU, but not of POG; (2) high levels of cognitive distortions and cognitive reappraisal were common associated factors of GPIU, PSMU and POG; and (3) expressive suppression and neuroticism trait had no effect on any of the three problematic online behaviours. The findings will help to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies for each problematic online behaviour in the university context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Sánchez-Fernández
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, University of Seville (Universidad de Sevilla), Seville, Spain.
| | - Mercedes Borda-Mas
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, University of Seville (Universidad de Sevilla), Seville, Spain.
| | - Zsolt Horvath
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar.
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar; College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
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Yang X, Liao T, Wang Y, Ren L, Zeng J. The association between digital addiction and interpersonal relationships: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2024; 114:102501. [PMID: 39265317 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Digital addiction (DA) has been identified as an emerging public health problem worldwide. However, the extent and direction of the association between DA and interpersonal relationships (IRs) are unknown. Does DA have adverse effects on IRs, and how credible is the evidence for this association in published analyses of real-world data? Using the PRISMA method, we conducted a meta-analysis to quantitatively synthesize the results of the relevant studies and obtain reliable effect size estimates and performed an analysis of moderating factors. A systematic literature search identified 98 studies involving 134,593 participants and 99 effect sizes. A significant negative association was observed between DA and IRs. Importantly, our meta-analysis revealed that the DA subtype has no significant moderating effect on IRs, suggesting that combining numerous categories of DA rather than focusing on specific forms of DA may be appropriate for understanding the relationship between DA and IRs. Relative to the IR subtype, the association between DA and offline relationships is significant and negative, whereas the association between DA and online relationships is significant and positive. The strength of the relationship is also influenced by the participants' sex ratio, educational level, and measurement tools. These results may help resolve the disagreement over the magnitude and direction of the association between DA and IRs and have potential implications for the treatment of DA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Yang
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingting Liao
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Cancer Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lifeng Ren
- Chongqing Research Institute of Big Data, Peking University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianguang Zeng
- School of Economics and Business Administration, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
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Wu W, Huang L, Yang F. Social anxiety and problematic social media use: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Addict Behav 2024; 153:107995. [PMID: 38401423 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.107995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Some theories posit a close relationship between social anxiety and problematic social media use; however, empirical findings are inconsistent, and existing hypotheses are conflicting. Hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the relationship between social anxiety and problematic social media use. After searching and screening the literature, we identified 53 studies, including 59,928 participants and 56 effect sizes, for analysis. A meta-analysis was subsequently performed using CMA software. Results showed that social anxiety and problematic social media use were highly positively correlated. The moderating effect results suggested that the relationship between social anxiety and problematic social media use was influenced by the measurement instrument, sex, publication year, and platform type; however, the relationship was not moderated by region and age. It is suggested to consider social anxiety in the treatment of problematic social media use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Wu
- School of Psychology, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Liangrong Huang
- School of Psychology, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China.
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Psychology, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
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Flack M, Burton WH, Caudwell KM. I rely on a little help from my friends: the effect of interpersonal and intrapersonal emotion regulation on the relationship between FOMO and problematic internet use. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:384. [PMID: 38783275 PMCID: PMC11119391 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05834-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated the role of emotion regulation in relation to the links between fear of missing out (i.e., FOMO) and two components of problematic internet use: problematic social media use and doomscrolling. METHODS Participants (N = 603, Mage = 30.41, SDage = 7.64; 49.1% male-identifying) completed measures of fear of missing out, intrapersonal and interpersonal emotion regulation, and problematic social media use, and doomscrolling. A parallel mediation model was tested to examine the nature of the associations between fear of missing out, intrapersonal, and interpersonal emotion regulation, in accounting for variance in the outcome measures. RESULTS Analyses revealed that the effect of fear of missing out on problematic social media use was fully mediated by both intrapersonal and interpersonal emotion regulation. In contrast, the effect on doomscrolling was fully mediated by intrapersonal emotion regulation only. CONCLUSIONS Findings clarify the role of emotion regulation in explaining the relationship between fear of missing out and two types of problematic internet use, indicating a need to consider individual differences in emotion regulation in an evolving social media landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mal Flack
- Researchers in Behavioural Addictions, Alcohol and Drugs, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Brinkin, NT, Australia
- Discipline of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Brinkin, NT, Australia
| | - William H Burton
- Discipline of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Brinkin, NT, Australia
| | - Kim M Caudwell
- Researchers in Behavioural Addictions, Alcohol and Drugs, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Brinkin, NT, Australia.
- Discipline of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Brinkin, NT, Australia.
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Du M, Zhao C, Hu H, Ding N, He J, Tian W, Zhao W, Lin X, Liu G, Chen W, Wang S, Wang P, Xu D, Shen X, Zhang G. Association between problematic social networking use and anxiety symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:263. [PMID: 38735963 PMCID: PMC11089718 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01705-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
A growing number of studies have reported that problematic social networking use (PSNU) is strongly associated with anxiety symptoms. However, due to the presence of multiple anxiety subtypes, existing research findings on the extent of this association vary widely, leading to a lack of consensus. The current meta-analysis aimed to summarize studies exploring the relationship between PSNU levels and anxiety symptoms, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, attachment anxiety, and fear of missing out. 209 studies with a total of 172 articles were included in the meta-analysis, involving 252,337 participants from 28 countries. The results showed a moderately positive association between PSNU and generalized anxiety (GA), social anxiety (SA), attachment anxiety (AA), and fear of missing out (FoMO) respectively (GA: r = 0.388, 95% CI [0.362, 0.413]; SA: r = 0.437, 95% CI [0.395, 0.478]; AA: r = 0.345, 95% CI [0.286, 0.402]; FoMO: r = 0.496, 95% CI [0.461, 0.529]), and there were different regulatory factors between PSNU and different anxiety subtypes. This study provides the first comprehensive estimate of the association of PSNU with multiple anxiety subtypes, which vary by time of measurement, region, gender, and measurement tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxuan Du
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chengjia Zhao
- School of Education, Renmin University of China, 100872, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyan Hu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ningning Ding
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiankang He
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Tian
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenqian Zhao
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiujian Lin
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Gaoyang Liu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wendan Chen
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - ShuangLiu Wang
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- School of Media and Communication, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dongchuan Road 800, 200240, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongwu Xu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinhua Shen
- Department of Neurosis and Psychosomatic Diseases, Huzhou Third Municipal Hospital, 313002, Huzhou, China.
| | - Guohua Zhang
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China.
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Xie Z, Wang Z. Longitudinal Examination of the Relationship Between Virtual Companionship and Social Anxiety: Emotional Expression as a Mediator and Mindfulness as a Moderator. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:765-782. [PMID: 38434960 PMCID: PMC10906104 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s447487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose As the interweaving of human interaction and Artificial Intelligence (AI) intensifies, understanding the psychological impact, especially regarding social anxiety, of engaging with AI-driven virtual companionship becomes crucial. While a substantial body of research on social anxiety has concentrated on interactions between individuals, both online and offline, there is a noticeable deficit in explorations concerning how human-computer interactions influence social anxiety. This study offers a comprehensive, longitudinal examination of this underinvestigated relationship, intricately dissecting the roles of emotional expression and mindfulness within the context of AI-based interactions. Methods We use social support theory and emotion regulation theory as our theoretical foundation. Data were collected from 618 undergraduate students in Eastern China over two intervals (May 15, 2023 and September 15, 2023). We utilized SPSS 26.0 to conduct descriptive statistics, while AMOS 25.0 facilitated multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and the cross-lagged panel modeling. Results Our findings indicate that as the frequency of virtual companionship use increases, there's a decline in online social anxiety but a rise in offline social anxiety. Emotional expression emerges as a significant mediator, with heightened emotional expression leading to reduced social anxiety in both contexts. Mindfulness serves as a potent moderator, suggesting its protective role against the potential pitfalls of frequent virtual interactions. Conclusion This research not only deepens our theoretical understanding of the dynamics between virtual interactions and social anxiety but also serves as a cornerstone for future endeavors aimed at optimizing AI and devising therapeutic interventions tailored for the digital generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehang Xie
- School of Media and Communication, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zeyu Wang
- School of Media and Communication, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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He A, Bu H, Mu W, Fu D, Chen C. Understanding Motivations for Dating App Use Among Gay and Bisexual Men: Validation, Latent Profile Analysis, and Differences in Health Outcomes. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:555-568. [PMID: 38038855 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02746-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
While there has been a proliferation in gay dating app (GDA) use in China, research into their potential effects on health outcomes, particularly mental health outcomes, among gay and bisexual men is lacking. The motivations for GDA use are diverse, and understanding users' motivation profiles may provide a necessary starting point for exploring the heterogeneous effects of GDA use on health outcomes. A cross-sectional survey of the motivations for GDA use and other health outcome variables (i.e., condom use frequency, self-stigma, and subjective emptiness) was conducted among 366 Chinese gay and bisexual men. The results of exploration structure equation modeling indicate that the GDA Use Motivation Scale, with a four-factor first-order model, had strong psychometric properties. Then, latent profile analysis (LPA) based on the mean scores of four aspects of motivation was performed. The results of the LPA revealed the existence of four profiles: "Weak motivations" (30.9%), "Differentiated motivations" (17.8%), "Moderate motivations" (30.3%), and "Strong motivations" (21.0%). Differences in health outcomes among the motivation profiles were found by using the Bolck-Croon-Hagenaars approach. Overall, most participants (60.1%) tended to use condoms consistently, regardless of how strong their GDA use motivation was; however, stronger GDA use motivations were associated with higher levels of self-stigma and subjective emptiness. We call for more research to focus on the real needs behind and motivations for GDA use so that all such app users' voices can be heard, as well as to raise awareness about the potential health risks associated with GDA use among Chinese gay and bisexual men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Along He
- School of Journalism and Communication, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - He Bu
- School of Social and Public Administration, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenlong Mu
- School of Journalism and Communication, Wuhan University, Bayi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Donghan Fu
- School of Journalism and Communication, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
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Zhang J, Marci T, Marino C, Canale N, Vieno A, Wang J, Chen X. Factorial validity of the problematic social media use scale among Chinese adults. Addict Behav 2024; 148:107855. [PMID: 37699324 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
The Problematic Social Media Use Scale (PSMUS) is a promising self-report measure assessing problematic use of social media among adolescents and adults. However, data concerning its psychometrics are still scant, and adaptation in Eastern cultures is missing. This study aimed to test the factorial structure, internal consistency, and external validity of the Chinese version of the PSMUS in a sample of 672 adults (31% males) aged between 18 and 58. A series of confirmatory factor analyses supported the bifactor structure of the PSMUS, including a general factor and five specific independent components, namely preference for online social interactions, mood regulation, cognitive preoccupation, compulsive use, and negative outcomes. Hierarchical Omega supported the presence of a general factor, and also ancillary indexes suggested that the questionnaire is not strictly unidimensional. Subsequent structural equation modeling testing the incremental contribution of each PSMUS facet in predicting negative emotional states showed that, above and beyond the general factor, only one of the five dimensions (i.e., negative outcomes) significantly links to our criterion measure further support the use of an overall PSMU score. Moreover, results support the external validity of the questionnaire, given its positive association with depression, anxiety, and stress scores. The Chinese version of the PSMUS is a psychometric sound instrument to assess the level of PSMU in adults. Future research may evaluate the cross-cultural validity of the bifactor model and its associations with other assessment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiewen Zhang
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padua, Italy.
| | - Tatiana Marci
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Claudia Marino
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Natale Canale
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Alessio Vieno
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padua, Italy
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Qin Y, Musetti A, Omar B. Flow Experience Is a Key Factor in the Likelihood of Adolescents' Problematic TikTok Use: The Moderating Role of Active Parental Mediation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2089. [PMID: 36767464 PMCID: PMC9915640 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
TikTok use and overuse have grown rapidly in recent years among adolescents. However, risk factors for problematic TikTok use are still largely unknown. In addition, drawing on the flow theory and parental mediation theory, this study aims to examine how adolescents' perceptions of enjoyment, concentration, and time distortion affect their problematic TikTok use behavior. Further, we examined the moderating effect of active parental mediation. An online survey in China received responses from a sample of 633 adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 (males: 51.2%; Mage = 15.00; DS = 0.975). Our findings showed that enjoyment was positively associated with concentration and, in turn, with time distortion. We also found significant positive effects of concentration and time distortion on problematic TikTok use. The effect of enjoyment, however, was non-significant, indicating that hedonic mood was not associated with problematic TikTok use. Out of the three moderated relationships examined in this study, only active parental control was found to be a significant moderator for the relationship between concentration and problematic TikTok use. The significant negative moderation result showed that as active parental mediation grows, the impact of adolescents' concentration on problematic TikTok use is reduced. Future research directions and implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Qin
- School of Communication, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Alessandro Musetti
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Bahiyah Omar
- School of Communication, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang 11800, Malaysia
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