A review of recent research in problematic internet use: gender and cultural differences

Gratification and its associations with problematic internet use: A systematic review and meta-analysis using Use and Gratification theory

Problematic Internet Use (PIU) has been a growing issue for two decades, and many researchers have sought to explain its occurrence. Use and Gratification Theory (UGT) has guided empirical studies investigating the associations between gratification and PIU. However, their results appear equivocal. This study aimed to synthesize research findings applying UGT and pinpoint the associations between different gratifications and PIU. Effect sizes were pooled to obtain an overall effect size. Gratifications were then classified into four types (i.e., content, social, self-presentation, and process) according to the suggestions of previous studies and the measurement of included studies. Based on 216 effect sizes from 57 samples with 38,492 participants (mean age = 24.3; 55.1 % female), random effect model analyses yielded a medium effect size (r = 0.303, p <.001, 95 % CI [0.263, 0.343]), indicating a positive association between general gratification and PIU. Subgroup analyses revealed that all four gratifications were positively associated with PIU; self-presentation showed the largest effect size, followed by process gratification.This study enhances the conceptual relevance of UGT in understanding PIU and highlights the importance of process and self-presentation gratification as predictors for PIU in certain contexts, such as among university students and in Asian countries.

Effect of paternal-maternal parenting styles on college students' internet addiction of different genders: The mediating role of life satisfaction

This study aimed to understand the current situation of paternal-maternal parenting style, life satisfaction, and internet addiction among college students and explored the influence of paternal-maternal parenting styles and life satisfaction on the internet addiction of male and female college students. A questionnaire survey was administered to 967 college students in China. Life satisfaction partially mediated the effect of the paternal-maternal parenting styles on the internet addiction among college students. However, this mediating role completely varied by gender, and the dimensions of parental styles also had different effects. For male college students, life satisfaction mediated the two dimensions of parenting styles (the father's emotional warmth, the father's overprotection) and internet addiction; the mother's emotional warmth directly related to the internet addiction. Among females, life satisfaction played a partial mediating role between two dimensions of parenting styles (the father's emotional warmth, the mother's interference and protection) and internet addiction. the father's punitiveness and over-involvement were directly related to female students' internet addiction. The study reveals that the mediating effect of life satisfaction on parenting styles and internet addiction among college students is influenced by gender, and the relationship between different parenting styles and internet addiction also varies. These findings indicate that paying attention to the role of the family, especially the parenting style of fathers, is crucial for preventing internet addiction in the future. Prevention and intervention should be treated differently for male and female students.

Life Satisfaction Trajectories During the Transition from Adolescence to Emerging Adulthood and the Role of Gender and Achievement Attribution: A Longitudinal Study of Chinese Youth

Life satisfaction is vital for a smooth transition to emerging adulthood. However, research on age and gender-related fluctuations in life satisfaction has yielded inconclusive and culture-specific results, which necessitates further investigation in more diverse contexts, including the Chinese culture. Despite the attribution theory and the value-as-a-moderator model highlighting the significance of achievement attribution in this period characterized by the pursuit of success, little is known about the specific impact of internal and external achievement attribution on the development of life satisfaction. This study examined life satisfaction trajectories from adolescence to emerging adulthood and explored the moderating effects of gender and achievement attribution, using five waves of data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). The sample consists of 504 youth (52.2% female), whose life satisfaction was tracked from 2012 (Mage = 16.55, SD = 0.50) to 2020 (Mage = 24.56, SD = 0.50). The multilevel growth models revealed that life satisfaction increased from ages 16 to 18, peaked at age 18, fell until age 20, and then remained stable from ages 20 to 24. No significant association was found between gender or external achievement attribution and life satisfaction development. Youth with higher internal achievement attribution had a greater increase in life satisfaction from ages 16 to 18, but had a larger decrease from ages 18 to 20. Adjusting internal achievement attribution may help alleviate the vulnerability of youth experiencing declining life satisfaction when transitioning to adulthood.

Smartphone Addiction and Related Factors among Athletes

Smartphone addiction (SA) is increasing worldwide. The aim of this study is to determine the level of SA in athletes affiliated to the Turkish Handball Federation in Izmir and to examine its relationship with factors such as sociodemographic status, health status, eating attitude, and body perception. This cross-sectional study was conducted in March-April 2021 in Izmir Province. The sample of the study consisted of 212 licensed handball athletes. The short SA scale, three-factor nutrition scale, and body perception scale were used. A chi-square test was used for bivariate comparisons and logistic regression analysis was used for multivariate comparisons. The study was completed with 202 individuals (the coverage rate was 95.3%). The prevalence of SA was found to be 27.7%. The risk of SA increased 2.49-fold (CI: 1.17-5.31, p = 0.018) in female participants, 2.01-fold (CI: 1.01-4.06, p = 0.048) in participants with alcohol use, 2.17-fold (CI: 1.04-4.58, p = 0.042) in participants with low nutritional scores, 2.65-fold (CI: 1.15-6.10, p = 0.022) in individuals with high-income status, and 2.66-fold (CI: 1.07-6.64, p = 0.036) in individuals with high body perception scale score. In total, 27.7% of the athlete sample had scores above the SA threshold. These results point out that a behavioral addiction such as SA can occur even in professionals of an activity such as sports, known for beneficial effects in terms of healthy life.

Social media addiction: associations with attachment style, mental distress, and personality

BACKGROUND

Social media bring not only benefits but also downsides, such as addictive behavior. While an ambivalent closed insecure attachment style has been prominently linked with internet and smartphone addiction, a similar analysis for social media addiction is still pending. This study aims to explore social media addiction, focusing on variations in attachment style, mental distress, and personality between students with and without problematic social media use. Additionally, it investigates whether a specific attachment style is connected to social media addiction.

METHODS

Data were collected from 571 college students (mean age = 23.61, SD = 5.00, 65.5% female; response rate = 20.06%) via an online survey administered to all enrolled students of Sigmund Freud PrivatUniversity Vienna. The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) differentiated between students addicted and not addicted to social media. Attachment style was gauged using the Bielefeld Partnership Expectations Questionnaire (BFPE), mental distress by the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), and personality by the Big Five Inventory (BFI-10).

RESULTS

Of the total sample, 22.7% of students were identified as addicted to social media. For personality, it was demonstrated that socially media addicted (SMA) students reported significantly higher values on the neuroticism dimension compared to not socially media addicted (NSMA) students. SMA also scored higher across all mental health dimensions-depressiveness, anxiety, and somatization. SMA more frequently exhibited an insecure attachment style than NSMA, specifically, an ambivalent closed attachment style. A two-step cluster analysis validated the initial findings, uncovering three clusters: (1) secure attachment, primarily linked with fewer occurrences of social media addiction and a lower incidence of mental health problems; (2) ambivalent closed attachment, generally associated with a higher rate of social media addiction and increased levels of mental health problems; and (3) ambivalent clingy attachment, manifesting a medium prevalence of social media addiction and a relatively equitable mental health profile.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcomes are aligned with previous research on internet and smartphone addiction, pointing out the relevance of an ambivalent closed attachment style in all three contexts. Therapeutic interventions for social media addiction should be developed and implemented considering these findings.

Examining the interplay between internet use disorder tendencies and well-being in relation to sofalizing during the COVID-19 pandemic

AIMS

The present study investigated the potential links between Internet Use Disorder tendencies, well-being and the impact of COVID-19 on Internet usage patterns.

METHOD

A sample of 2498 participants filled out the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS; the cognitive facet of well-being) and the Sofalizing Scale which comprises the Online Displacement and Social Compensation dimensions. Participants were also asked to report the extent to which changes in Internet use occurred due to COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., reductions, no changes, increases). The present study comprised a survey study with cross-sectional character.

RESULTS

The statistical analyses demonstrated that the aforementioned variables were robustly associated with each other. In a first mediation model, the association between higher levels of Internet Use Disorder and reduced well-being was partially mediated by the two dimensions of the Sofalizing scale called Online Displacement and Social Compensation. The results of the second mediation model showed that the relationship between changes in Internet use due to COVID-19 pandemic and well-being was fully mediated by CIUS scores, suggesting that increased Internet use due to the COVID-19 pandemic increased levels of Internet Use Disorder tendencies, which in turn decreased levels of well-being.

DISCUSSION

The findings are discussed in the context of human social needs in a time of crisis, where meeting people in-person was restricted.

Problematic Internet Use Among Adolescent Male and Female Psychiatric Inpatients: A Gender Perspective

Problematic internet use (PIU) is of treatment interest in adolescent clinical samples. Gender specific differences in terms of personality traits and psychopathological symptoms remain unclear. In an adolescent clinical sample (n = 104; 69 girls) PIU, psychopathology, temperament and character traits as well as emotional and behavioral problems were assessed. 62% of the sample showed subthreshold PIU and 34% full PIU (fPIU). Boys reported more gaming whereas girls social networking. Sex specific analyses revealed gender differences: Girls with fPIU scored significantly higher on internalizing/externalizing problems/behavior, novelty seeking and transcendence, and lower on persistence, self-directedness, and cooperativeness than girls without fPIU. Boys with fPIU scored significantly higher on internalizing problems and self-transcendence and lower on harm avoidance than boys without fPIU. Gender plays an important role in PIU. Gender specific differences in both application use as well as symptomatic, temperament and character traits call for a gender specific approach in prevention and treatment integration.

The influence of adolescents' internet adaptation on internet addiction: the mediating role of internet cultural adaptation

This study investigates how adolescents' internet adaptation influences internet addiction, with a particular focus on the mediating role of internet cultural adaptation. Grounded in cross-cultural adaptation theory, the study proposes that internet cultural adaptation can mitigate the negative relationship between internet adaptation and internet addiction. Conducting a large-scale random survey among Chinese adolescents, and employing standardized measures for internet addiction, internet cultural adaptation, and internet adaptation, the study finds a significant negative correlation between internet adaptation and internet addiction. More crucially, internet cultural adaptation plays a pivotal mediating role, such that when adolescents have higher capabilities in adapting culturally to the internet, the negative relationship between their internet adaptation and addiction is effectively alleviated. These findings not only provide a new perspective in understanding adolescent internet addiction but also offer theoretical guidance for devising preventive measures. The study also discusses practical applications of the results, emphasizing the importance of enhancing adolescents' internet cultural adaptation, and presents new strategies for preventing and mitigating issues of internet addiction.

Effect of the peripartum depressive symptoms on the Internet use disorder of their offspring in late childhood: retrospective longitudinal study

Internet use disorder (IUD) is an emerging social and mental health concern. This study aimed to analyze the relative risk of IUD in late childhood among children whose mothers experienced peripartum depressive symptoms. This study included 762 participants (397 boys and 365 girls) and was conducted in 2017 (aged 9) and 2019 (aged 11). We analyzed the adjusted relative risk of being at high risk for IUD based on whether the mother experienced depressive symptoms during pregnancy or one month after delivery. We also considered the persistence of depressed mood for 4 months after delivery and the severity of peripartum depressive symptoms. From 2017, 20.7% of boys and 14.0% of girls were at high risk of developing IUD. Compared to the non-peripartum depressive group, girls whose mothers experienced peripartum depressive symptoms and those that persisted for 4 months were 1.084 and 1.124 times more likely to be at high risk of IUD (95% confidence interval = 1.005-1.170 and 1.013-1.248), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences among boys. Peripartum depressed mood could be one of risk factors of IUD. IUD needs to be monitored in children whose mothers experienced peripartum depressive symptoms.

Psychosocial risk factors of technological addictions in a sample of Spanish University students: The influence of Emotional (Dys)Regulation, personality traits and Fear of Missing Out on internet addiction

Perception of the need to be online can lead to the compulsive use of the Internet. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between Internet Addiction and Social Media Addiction and some psychological variables that could influence the onset of these disorders (FoMO, Emotional Dysregulation, Personality traits). The sample was composed by 598 Spanish university students aged from 18 to 35 (471 women and 118 men; average age = 21.56; standard deviation = 2.73). Participants responded to an online questionnaire regarding the use of Internet (IAT), the use of social media (BSMAS), Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), Emotional (Dys)regulation (DERS) and personality traits (BFI-15). Correlation analysis showed a positive relationship between FoMO, Social Media Addiction, Internet Addiction, Emotional (Dys)regulation and Neuroticism dimension of Big five. Also, we observed a negative relationship between Internet Addiction and Social Media Addiction, Conscientiousness dimension of Big Five, and gender. The tested mediation model highlighted that the total effect of the DERS on the IAT score was significant as well as its indirect effect via the BSMAS and FoMO scores was positive and significant. In conclusion, we proposed a new integrated model for understanding the characteristics, predictors, and risk factors of IA.

The association between future self-continuity and problematic mobile video gaming among Chinese college students: the serial mediation of consideration of future consequences and state self-control capacity

BACKGROUND

To explore the relationship between future self-continuity and problematic mobile video gaming among Chinese college students and to examine the serial mediation of consideration of future consequences and state self-control capacity on the association between future self-continuity and problematic mobile video gaming, based on Identity-Based Motivation Theory.

METHODS

The Problematic Mobile Video Gaming Scale, Future Self-continuity Scale, Consideration of Future Consequences Scale, and Short Version of State Self-control Capacity Scale were administered to a sample comprising 800 college students (338 males accounting for 42.3%). Multivariate analysis and latent variables analysis were utilized to explore the separate mediating role consideration of future consequences and state self-control capacity played in the association between future self-continuity and problematic mobile video gaming, and their serial mediation also was investigated. The Bootstrap method was employed to test the significance of these mediation effects.

RESULTS

The negative association between future self-continuity and problematic mobile video gaming was moderately found. Students with increased consideration of future consequences from higher levels of future self-continuity have decreased their problematic mobile video gaming. Future self-continuity significantly positively predicted state self-control capacity, which in turn significantly negatively predicted problematic mobile video gaming. The serial mediation was also found.

CONCLUSION

The findings revealed why differences in identification with the current and future selves become influencing factors in problematic mobile video gaming. This study observed the mediating role that consideration of future consequences and state self-control capacity play in the association between future self-continuity and problematic mobile video gaming.

Problematic media use in early childhood: The role of parent-child relationships and parental wellbeing in families in New Zealand and the United States

Problematic media use (PMU) during early childhood has the potential to interfere with the healthy functioning of family systems and may be associated with significant long-term problems for the child. However, we know very little about what contributes to early childhood PMU, particularly in the family context. We examine parenting factors as correlates of child PMU in two studies, from two different countries, using two different methods. Study 1 (N=93, Mage=45.3months, SD=10.15, 58%males, 87%mothers) investigated the concurrent role of self-reported parental burnout and parent-child conflict and closeness as correlates of child PMU in an early childhood sample in New Zealand. Study 2 (N=269, Mage=41.17months, SD=3.06 months, 49%males, 95%mothers) investigated observed parental warmth and harsh criticism as predictors of concurrent and longitudinal PMU in an early childhood sample in the United States. Together, findings showed that in both countries approximately 22-25% of young children show symptoms of PMU. After controlling for parent's PMU, parent-child conflict, warmth and parental burnout were not associated with child PMU. Low levels of parent-child closeness and parent's use of harsh criticism were predictive of child PMU. The findings advance our understanding of some of the parenting factors that influence the development of PMU in young children.

Prevalence of problematic Internet use and problematic gaming in Spanish adolescents

Epidemiological studies on problematic Internet use and problematic gaming conducted so far have mainly been carried out with unrepresentative and self-selected convenience samples, resulting in unreliable prevalence rates. This study estimates the prevalence of problematic Internet use and problematic gaming in a large sample of Spanish adolescents (N = 41,507) and identifies risk and protective factors for these risky behaviours. Data were collected online using the Adolescent Problem Internet Use Scale and the Adolescent Gaming Addiction Scale. Using a cut-off approach with measurement instruments inspired by the DSM-5 framework, we found a prevalence of 33% for problematic Internet use and 3.1% for problematic gaming. With a more conservative approach inspired by the ICD-11 framework, prevalence rates decreased to 2.98% for problematic Internet use and 1.8% for problematic gaming. Female gender, higher parents' education, elevated Internet connection time, reporting being online after midnight and using the mobile phone in class predicted problematic Internet use; whereas male gender, "living situation" where families do not have a traditional structure or stable environment, elevated Internet connection time and reporting using the mobile phone in class predicted problematic gaming. A cut-off approach involving scales that recycle substance use criteria (as in the DSM-5) over-pathologize Internet use and gaming behaviours. In contrast, the ICD-11 approach seems to provide more realistic and reliable prevalence rates.

Gender impact on STEM online learning- a correlational study of gender, personality traits and learning styles in relation to different online teaching modalities

STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education benefits both individuals and society. It supports individuals by increasing their critical-thinking skills, encouraging creativity, as well as providing a basis for new inventions. The underrepresentation of women in STEM is a complex issue with various causes and different approaches of addressing it, where most likely gender differences are caused by desires and choice rather than abilities and performance. This paper explores differences in online and traditional STEM learning based on gender. It examines in detail recently identified patterns of women's success, their access to STEM online courses, and their overall course experience during such courses. We analyzed results from a case study in which students were enrolled for one semester in two STEM online courses and completed questionnaires about their character traits and learning styles and how they relate to academic performance. The objective of our research is to analyze academic success during traditional classes and online classes, with focus on gender and identify how character traits and learning styles correlate with gender in online classes. The main outcome of our research is that female students, which study in the field of STEM in particular computer science, are trustworthy and autonomous students who can outperform their male counterparts during traditional courses, where during online courses male students still exceed slightly female students. The trait of Consciousness is a success predictor regardless of gender and learning environment, while the trait of Neuroticism has negative impact the traditional learning environment, Extraversion shows negative impact in online learning. Learning styles show gender differences, where female students prefer the style of read/write while male students favor kinesthetic.

Problematic Internet Use among Adults: A Cross-Cultural Study in 15 Countries

BACKGROUND

The present study compared adult usage patterns of online activities, the frequency rate of problematic internet use (PIU), and risk factors (including the psychopathology associated with PIU, i.e., distress and impulsivity) among adults in 15 countries from Europe, America, and Asia.

METHODS

A total of 5130 adults from Belgium, Finland, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, UK, Norway, Peru, Canada, US, and Indonesia completed an online survey assessing PIU and a number of psychological variables (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress, and impulsivity). The sample included more females, with a mean age of 24.71 years (SD = 8.70).

RESULTS

PIU was slightly lower in European countries (rates ranged from 1.1% in Finland to 10.1% in the UK, compared to 2.9% in Canada and 10.4% in the US). There were differences in specific PIU rates (e.g., problematic gaming ranged from 0.4% in Poland to 4.7% in Indonesia). Regression analyses showed that PIU was predicted by problematic social networking and gaming, lack of perseverance, positive urgency, and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences in PIU between countries were significant for those between continental regions (Europe versus non-European countries). One of the most interesting findings is that the specific PIU risks were generally low compared to contemporary literature. However, higher levels of PIU were present in countries outside of Europe, although intra-European differences existed.

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.

Problematic Internet Use among Adolescents 18 Months after the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Studies in recent years and especially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic have shown a significant increase in the problematic use of computer games and social media. Adolescents having difficulties in regulating their unpleasant emotions are especially prone to Problematic Internet Use (PIU), which is why emotion dysregulation has been considered a risk factor for PIU. The aim of the present study was to assess problematic internet use (PIU) in adolescents after the third wave (nearly 1.5 years after the onset in Europe) of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the German region of Siegen-Wittgenstein, all students 12 years and older from secondary-level schools, vocational schools and universities were offered a prioritized vaccination in August 2021 with an approved vaccine against COVID-19. In this context, the participants filled out the Short Compulsive Internet Use Scale (SCIUS) and two additional items to capture a possible change in digital media usage time and regulation of negative affect due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A multiple regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of PIU. The original sample consisted of 1477 participants, and after excluding invalid cases the final sample size amounted to 1268 adolescents aged 12-17 (x = 14.37 years, SD = 1.64). The average prevalence of PIU was 43.69%. Gender, age, digital media usage time and the intensity of negative emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic were all found to be significant predictors of PIU: female gender, increasing age, longer digital media usage time and higher intensity of negative emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with higher SCIUS total scores. This study found a very high prevalence of PIU among 12- to 17-year-olds for the period after the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has increased significantly compared to pre-pandemic prevalence rates. PIU is emerging as a serious problem among young people in the pandemic. Besides gender and age, pandemic-associated time of digital media use and emotion regulation have an impact on PIU, which provides starting points for preventive interventions.

Gender differences in psychiatric comorbidity and personality characteristics among adults seeking treatment for problematic internet use

In the present study, we investigated gender differences in personality and psychiatric correlates among adults (N = 115) seeking treatment for problematic internet use (PIU) at a specialized clinic in São Paulo, Brazil. All participants were assessed at the beginning of their treatment for co-occurring psychiatric conditions, other addictive behaviors, and personality characteristics. Women (n = 20) were more likely to present with greater rates of psychiatric comorbidity compared to men (n = 95), including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bulimia nervosa. Women also had a greater severity of certain behavioral addictions, such as compulsive buying and disordered eating. Gender differences were also found across personality characteristics, with women scoring higher on impulsivity, novelty seeking, and self-transcendence compared to men. To our knowledge, the present study is the first to investigate gender differences for PIU in a clinical sample. The results suggest that there are notable gender differences in individuals seeking treatment for PIU which underscores the importance of assessing for co-occurring conditions, especially in women. Understanding the characteristics associated with PIU can help serve to inform the most appropriate interventions to bolster treatment outcomes.

Advances in problematic usage of the internet research - A narrative review by experts from the European network for problematic usage of the internet

Global concern about problematic usage of the internet (PUI), and its public health and societal costs, continues to grow, sharpened in focus under the privations of the COVID-19 pandemic. This narrative review reports the expert opinions of members of the largest international network of researchers on PUI in the framework of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action (CA 16207), on the scientific progress made and the critical knowledge gaps remaining to be filled as the term of the Action reaches its conclusion. A key advance has been achieving consensus on the clinical definition of various forms of PUI. Based on the overarching public health principles of protecting individuals and the public from harm and promoting the highest attainable standard of health, the World Health Organisation has introduced several new structured diagnoses into the ICD-11, including gambling disorder, gaming disorder, compulsive sexual behaviour disorder, and other unspecified or specified disorders due to addictive behaviours, alongside naming online activity as a diagnostic specifier. These definitions provide for the first time a sound platform for developing systematic networked research into various forms of PUI at global scale. Progress has also been made in areas such as refining and simplifying some of the available assessment instruments, clarifying the underpinning brain-based and social determinants, and building more empirically based etiological models, as a basis for therapeutic intervention, alongside public engagement initiatives. However, important gaps in our knowledge remain to be tackled. Principal among these include a better understanding of the course and evolution of the PUI-related problems, across different age groups, genders and other specific vulnerable groups, reliable methods for early identification of individuals at risk (before PUI becomes disordered), efficacious preventative and therapeutic interventions and ethical health and social policy changes that adequately safeguard human digital rights. The paper concludes with recommendations for achievable research goals, based on longitudinal analysis of a large multinational cohort co-designed with public stakeholders.

The Relationships between Gender, Life Satisfaction, Loneliness and Problematic Internet Use during COVID-19: Does the Lockdown Matter?

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments have attempted to reduce virus transmission by implementing lockdown procedures, leading to increased social isolation and a new reliance on technology and the internet for work and social communication. We examined people’s experiences working from home in the UK to identify risk factors of problematic internet use during the first lockdown period, specifically looking at life satisfaction, loneliness, and gender. A total of 299 adults completed the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire-Short-Form-6, UCLA-3 Item Loneliness Scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale online. Through structural equation modelling, we found that loneliness positively predicted problematic internet use while gender had no effect. Life satisfaction and age positively predicted loneliness but had no direct effect on problematic internet use, suggesting loneliness fully mediated their relationship with problematic internet use. Our study serves as a benchmark study of problematic internet use among those working from home during lockdown conditions, which may be utilized by future researchers exploring longitudinal patterns post-pandemic.

Relationships of excessive internet use with depression, anxiety, and sleep quality among high school students in northern Vietnam

PURPOSE

To examine the associations of excessive internet use with depression, anxiety, and sleep quality among high school students in northern Vietnam, a country experiencing rapid economic growth.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a high school in northern Vietnam from July to September 2019. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were respectively assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale and the Vietnamese Anxiety Scale. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Internet use and demographic characteristics were obtained using structured questionnaires. A multiple logistic regression was performed.

RESULTS

In total, 678 participants with an average age of 16.1 (standard deviation 0.9) years were included. Nearly one-third of the adolescents (30.7%) exhibited excessive internet use (> 4 h/day), 19.6% experienced depressive symptoms, 14.5% presented anxiety symptoms, and 58.8% reported poor sleep quality. Compared to non-excessive internet users, excessive internet users (> 4 h/day) experienced significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms (p = .001), anxiety (p = .008), and poorer sleep quality (p < .001). Students who were female and with fair/poor self-rated health experienced higher depression, anxiety, and poor sleep quality (p < .05). After adjusting for demographic and health-related factors, students with excessive internet use were 58% more likely to experience poor sleep quality (odds ratio, 1.58, 95% confidence interval [1.06, 2.35]).

CONCLUSIONS

Excessive internet use in Vietnamese high school students was significantly associated with poor sleep quality, but not with depression or anxiety.

Internet use during COVID-19 lockdown among young people in low- and middle-income countries: Role of psychological wellbeing

Problematic internet use in adolescents has been shown to significantly increase over the past few years, with COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns reinforcing this phenomena globally. We sought to explore whether problematic internet use in specific countries was related to emotional well-being and importantly whether this is predicted by psychological distress. There is a growing number of studies showing that problematic internet use is increasingly prevalent in countries with emerging economies, however we have yet to find out to what extent other factors are influencing this behaviour in adolescents and young people. This study invited young people from countries such India, Mexico, Philippines and Turkey to complete a set of self-reports on their daily internet habits, social media use, alongside questions on psychological distress, self-esteem, loneliness and escapism. A total of 1182 young people aged between 16 and 25 years old completed these questionnaires online. The results showed that there were significant difference in problematic internet use scores among adolescents in the Philippines and Turkey. More specifically, social media use was significantly higher amongst young people from the Philippines whereas gaming addiction was significantly high in the Turkish sample. These findings also revealed that psychological distress, loneliness, and low self-esteem consistently predicted problematic internet use. Taken together these results emphasise that there are several factors underlying growing figures of problematic internet use in young people, these factors include emotional distress, need for escapism, loneliness, and social media use, however, going forward more nuanced cultural differences should also be considered.

Problematic Internet Usage and Self-Esteem in Chinese Undergraduate Students: The Mediation Effects of Individual Affect and Relationship Satisfaction

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the mediating effects of individual affect and relationship satisfaction on the relationship between self-esteem and Problematic Internet Use (PIU). Affect was measured using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), relationship satisfaction was assessed using a positive and negative semantic dimension scale, self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and PIU was measured using the Problematic Internet Use scale with a sample of 507 Chinese university students (Mage = 20.41 years, SD = 2.49). The relationships between the variables were tested using structural equation modelling with a multiple mediation model. The results revealed that negative affect and the negative semantic dimensions of relationship satisfaction mediated the relationship between self-esteem and PIU. The implications of the results and the study’s theoretical contributions are discussed.

Problematic Internet Use in Adolescents from Divorced Families: The Role of Family Factors and Adolescents' Self-Esteem

Family functioning is salient in explaining adolescents’ problematic internet use (PIU), and precisely this family functioning is under pressure after parental divorce. Moreover, growing up with divorced parents is identified as a risk factor for PIU. Therefore, examining which factors are associated with adolescents’ PIU after divorce is particularly important. Based on self-report data from N = 244 adolescents of divorced families (49.6% boys, M = 13.42), structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the associations of PIU with interparental conflict, triangulation, maternal and paternal warmth, and adolescents’ self-esteem. Potential buffering effects of self-esteem were tested, as well as gender differences in associations. The results showed that more triangulation and less maternal warmth were related to higher levels of PIU, but these effects disappeared after adding self-esteem to the models. Adolescent self-esteem did not significantly buffer the effects of the different family factors on PIU, nor were there any significant gender differences in association. Hence, especially adolescents’ self-esteem seems to be a key aspect for PIU in adolescents from divorced families.

Impulsivity Mediates Associations Between Problematic Internet Use, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms in Students: A Cross-Sectional COVID-19 Study

Background: Problematic internet use (PIU) is a serious global mental health issue that especially manifested during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Engagement in PIU as an impulsive coping with mental distress may pose a long-lasting threat to develop anxiety and depressive disorders. The first aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of PIU and mental distress symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among university students in Lithuania. The second aim was to test the hypothesis that PIU affects anxiety and depressive symptoms through the mediating role of impulsivity. Methods: The cross-sectional study was comprised of 619 university students (92.9% females and 7.1% males) with a mean age of 22 ± 3 years who participated in an online survey from May to November, 2020. Participants completed the following scales: the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11. K-means cluster analysis and one-way multivariate analysis of variance were used for group comparison in terms of internet use time and habit change during COVID-19 pandemic. Structural equation modeling was applied to examine the mediating effect of impulsivity in association between PIU and mental distress, while controlling for age. Results: In sum, 45.1% of the participants reported PIU and 38.1% had markedly expressed symptoms of anxiety while 43.6% of the students reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms. During the COVID-19 pandemic 76% of the students reported at least moderate increase in their internet use time. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were significantly higher in the group of frequent internet users. The results of the structural equational modeling analysis showed a statistically significant effect of PIU on subjective anxiety symptoms and the statistically significant effect of PIU on subjective depression symptoms, both mediated via impulsivity. Conclusions: During COVID-19 pandemic, PIU, anxiety and depression symptoms are highly prevalent among students. Findings also suggest that relationships between PIU, anxiety and depressive symptoms are mediated via impulsivity. These results underscore the importance of the inclusion of impulsivity factor in the studies analyzing longitudinal effects of PIU on mental distress during COVID-19 pandemic.

Internet Use and Problematic Use in Seniors: A Comparative Study in Switzerland and Poland

Background: Seniors have been only little considered in studies examining problematic internet use and associated health issues, although they may present risk factors that make them particularly vulnerable for the development of problematic internet use. Objectives: (1) To compare Internet use and problematic use among seniors in Switzerland and Poland; (2) To examine the relationships between problematic internet use, impulsivity traits and well-being as previous studies showed that internet can be used to cope with negative emotions or life dissatisfaction. Methods: A cross-sectional survey conducted between June 2016 and April 2017 with 264 older internet users aged above 60 years old recruited in Switzerland (88) and Poland (176) assessing sociodemographic variables, online activities, problematic internet use, impulsivity traits and well-being. Results: The two groups differed in their reported online activities in that Polish participants reported more searching for information and buying, whereas Swiss participants reported significantly greater problematic internet use than Polish participants. Finally, a multiple linear regression analysis performed on the whole sample indicated that lower well-being and being a Swiss participant were both significantly associated with greater problematic internet use, after age, gender, level of education, impulsivity traits have been controlled for. Discussion: Swiss seniors showed a more problematic internet use than Polish participants who focused more in their online activities on utility use of internet. The relationships between problematic internet use and well-being suggest that older adults use internet mainly to cope with negative emotion or life dissatisfaction. Socio-cultural differences that could account for these group differences as well as difference with young adults are discussed.