On the Willingness to Pay for social media/messenger services taking into account personality and sent/received messages among WhatsApp users

WhatsApp has billions of users worldwide. Instead of paying a subscription fee, users provide their data for the use allowance. This data is used by Meta - the company behind WhatsApp - to obtain insights into user characteristics and monetize those insights. However, this data business model is among others criticized for fostering a loss of privacy that arises when platforms analyze user data, and for the use of design elements to attract users to the platform when they are not online or to extend their online time. Therefore, an increasing number of scientists are discussing whether other payment models are needed to overcome those disadvantages, like a monetary payment model. However, users would probably only pay for improved social media products. This paper provides an empirical basis for understanding the user perspective and, in particular, whether and how much users are willing to pay for improved social media products. For this, 2924 WhatsApp users' perspectives on this topic were investigated. They were asked whether and how much they are willing to pay money for a messenger/social media service when its quality would be improved. Variables potentially influencing Willingness to Pay (i.e., personality, sent/received messages) were studied as well. 47% of the participants were unwilling to pay for a healthier messenger service, and about a quarter were willing or stayed neutral. Further analysis revealed that more agreeable people were more willing to pay. Further: Higher Extraversion was associated with more sent/received messages, but the number of sent/received messages was not linked to Willingness to Pay. The present study shows that many users still are not willing to pay for social media (here messengers), which indicates that the advantages of paying for social media with money instead of with one's own data might need to be better communicated.

Symptoms and functional impairments in patients with Internet Use Disorders participating in an online short-term therapy

BACKGROUND

Internet use disorders (IUD) have been recognized as a serious mental health concern. In order to promote consensus on core features of IUD, further studies involving clinical samples are required.

AIMS

A clinical evaluation of patients with IUD was conducted as part of the scientific monitoring of a novel online short-term therapy, embedded in the randomized controlled trial Stepped Care Approach for Problematic Internet use Treatment (SCAPIT; ID: DRKS00025994).

METHODS

An online diagnostic and a clinical assessment were performed at the baseline measurement of the online intervention. The self-report version of the Assessment of Internet and Computer Game Addiction (AICA-S) was applied to assess symptom severity of IUD. The impact of psychopathological symptoms and impairments of functioning on IUD symptomatology was examined in the sample of patients. Based on a dichotomous classification of the symptom severity of IUD, differences among participants presenting moderate compared to severe addictive Internet behavior were analyzed.

RESULTS

The sample of this an analysis consisted of 57 patients (57.9% males, mean age of 29.12 years) participating in the online short-term therapy for IUD. Based on the AICA-S sum score (M = 11.60; SD = 3.30) participants exhibited moderate (n = 44; 77.2%) to severe (n = 13; 22.8%) symptoms of addictive Internet use. Psychopathological symptoms and impairments of psychosocial functioning had an effect on symptom severity of IUD. Participants with severe symptoms of IUD showed higher psychopathological strains compared to patients with moderate addictive Internet behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical evaluation of patients participating in a novel online short-term therapy for IUD indicated that psychopathological symptoms and impairments of functioning have an impact on addictive Internet behaviors and consequently, need to be addressed in the treatment of IUD. Based on the results, further implications for clinical practice and research on addictive Internet behavior are derived.

[Digital media use and mental health in adolescents-a narrative review]

The opportunities and hazards of digital media, especially with regard to children and adolescents, are currently the subject of frequent family, school, and social debates.Digital platforms can support the accomplishment of adolescent developmental tasks through gaming and social exchange as well as communication and contact promotion, learning, and health promotion, and are widely used for entertainment. In Germany, almost all adolescents own a smartphone. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an intensification of the use of digital games, social media, and streaming offers by adolescents was observed. Exposure to age-uncensored content such as the depiction of violence, extreme political views, and conspiracy theories, as well as personal attacks through cyberbullying, unfiltered initiation of contact including cybergrooming, dysfunctional role models, and addiction-promoting aspects are associated with mental health risks.Cyberbullying affects about 5% of children and adolescents in Germany. A bidirectional relationship with mental health could be shown. The gaming disorder is the first digital media use disorder (DMUD) that has been included in the ICD-11 and thus internationally recognized as a mental illness. Adolescents are affected disproportionately often and experience impairments in their mental development and levels of functioning.Services are available to promote adolescent media literacy, and their expansion, structured application, and evaluation are needed. Evidence-based prevention and treatment options for DMUD are currently largely lacking. Their development, review, and dissemination should be further supported.

Depressive inclinations mediate the association between personality (neuroticism/conscientiousness) and TikTok Use Disorder tendencies

BACKGROUND

We introduce a novel measure for assessing TikTok overuse, called the TikTok Use Disorder-Questionnaire (TTUD-Q). As part of ongoing investigations into the suitability of the World Health Organization's (WHO) framework for diagnosing Gaming Disorder in the context of social media overuse, we developed this questionnaire by adapting the WHO framework, replacing the term "gaming" with "TikTok use".

METHODS

In order to address this question, we investigated the psychometric properties of the newly designed TTUD-Q and assessed its associations with the BFI-10 (assessing the Big Five of Personality) and the PHQ-8 (assessing depressive tendencies).

RESULTS

In this study, involving a final sample of 378 participants, we observed that higher levels of neuroticism were linked to greater tendencies toward TikTok Use Disorder (TTUD). Furthermore, we identified that this association was mediated by depressive tendencies. Similar trends emerged when investigating the relationship between lower levels of conscientiousness and higher TTUD tendencies, with depressive tendencies once again serving as a mediator.

DISCUSSION

Our research sets the foundation for future studies that should delve deeper into examining individual differences in TTUD using the WHO framework originally designed for Gaming Disorder.

An app-based training for adolescents with problematic digital-media use and their parents (Res@t digital): protocol for a cluster-randomized clinical trial

Background

Digital media-use disorders (DMUD) in adolescents are a rising phenomenon associated with psychological distress, comorbid mental disorders, and high burden on affected families. Since the ICD-11 introduced criteria for gaming disorder, these can now be transferred to describe additional DMUD associated with social media platforms and streaming services. Most evidence for effective treatments comes from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). However, interventions based on theoretical models for adolescents and their parents are widely missing, leading to a significant clinical gap.

Methods

Res@t digital (Resource-Strengthening Training for Adolescents with Problematic Digital-Media Use and their Parents) is the app-based translation of the first model-based digital intervention for adolescents with DMUD and their parents based on CBT. It comprises separate but content-related modules for adolescents (Res@t-A) and parents (Res@t-P), applying multimodal techniques. The effectiveness of Res@t will be evaluated within a multicenter cluster-randomized controlled evaluator-blinded pre-post follow-up trial with the waitlist control group (CG). In addition to the Res@t program in the intervention group, both groups will receive treatment as usual within primary child and adolescent psychiatric/psychotherapeutic healthcare. The primary outcome addresses DMUD symptom reduction after 10 weeks. Secondary outcomes are related to a reduction in psychological and family-related problems and an increase in parental self-efficacy. All outcomes will be assessed using standardized self-report measures. A total of 1,334 participating adolescent-parent dyads from a large clinical network throughout Germany are planned to be included in the primary analyses based on an intention-to-treat approach, applying linear mixed models.

Discussion

Assuming superiority of Res@t over the control condition, the intervention has the potential to provide evidence-based treatment for a significant number of help-seeking families, supporting local healthcare structures and resources. It is a promising program for practicable implementation and flexible use in different settings.

Clinical trial registration

https://drks.de, DRKS00031043.

Social media use and everyday cognitive failure: investigating the fear of missing out and social networks use disorder relationship

BACKGROUND

Nearly five billion individuals worldwide are using social media platforms. While the benefits of using social media, such as fostering social connections, are clear, ongoing discussions are focused on whether excessive use of these platforms might have adverse effects on cognitive functioning. Excessive social media use shares similarities with addictive behaviors and is believed to result from a complex interplay of individual characteristics, emotions, thoughts, and actions. Among these contributing factors, one of particular interest is the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), a state where an individual apprehends that others are experiencing rewarding moments in their absence (but see more information on the FoMO trait/state debate in this article).

METHODS

In this study, we aimed to explore the intricate relationships between FoMO, tendencies towards Social Networks Use Disorder (SNUD), and everyday cognitive failures. To achieve this, we gathered a large sample of N = 5314 participants and administered a comprehensive set of questionnaires. These included a Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) scale, which assessed both trait and state aspects of FoMO, the Social Networking Sites-Addiction Test (SNS-AT), designed to gauge tendencies towards SNUD, and the Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (CFQ), which measured everyday cognitive lapses.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed that among non-users of social media, both FoMO and everyday cognitive failures were at their lowest levels. Further, in the group of social media users, we observed a significant relationship between FoMO and cognitive failures, which was mediated by SNUD tendencies. This mediation was particularly pronounced for the state component of FoMO, which encompasses maladaptive thoughts related to online behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

While our study is cross-sectional and thus cannot establish causality, one plausible interpretation of our findings is that higher FoMO tendencies may trigger excessive social media use, which in turn could lead to cognitive failures, possibly due to distraction and reduced attention to everyday tasks.

Procrastination Predicts Future Internet Use Disorders in Adolescents but Not Vice Versa: Results from a 12-Month Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

Use of Internet applications is often associated with postponing real-life obligations. Previous cross-sectional studies have reported a positive association between procrastination and Internet use disorders (IUDs). Further, procrastination is included in theoretical models explaining the development of IUDs. However, little is known about the temporal relationship; thus, longitudinal studies identifying the specific predictive direction are required.

METHODS

Using a cross-lagged panel design, a total of 240 students who were at high risk for IUDs, aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 15.17, SD = 1.66) were assessed at baseline (t1) and reassessed one year later (t2) with standardized measures for IUDs and procrastination.

RESULTS

Our results showed that IUD symptom severity at t2 was significantly predicted both by IUD symptom severity at t1 and procrastination at t1. However, procrastination at t2 was predicted only by procrastination at t1 but not by IUD symptom severity at t1.

CONCLUSIONS

We could not find a reciprocal relationship between procrastination and IUD symptom severity. Procrastination appears to be a causal risk factor for IUDs, but not a consequence. As a modifiable risk factor, procrastination is a promising starting point for preventive and therapeutic interventions for IUDs.

Fear of missing out (FOMO) associates with reduced cortical thickness in core regions of the posterior default mode network and higher levels of problematic smartphone and social media use

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Fear of missing out (FOMO) promotes the desire or urge to stay continuously connected with a social reference group and updated on their activities, which may result in escalating and potentially addictive smartphone and social media use. The present study aimed to determine whether the neurobiological basis of FOMO encompasses core regions of the reward circuitry or social brain, and associations with levels of problematic smartphone or social media use.

METHODS

We capitalized on a dimensional neuroimaging approach to examine cortical thickness and subcortical volume associations in a sample of healthy young individuals (n = 167). Meta-analytic network and behavioral decoding analyses were employed to further characterize the identified regions.

RESULTS

Higher levels of FOMO associated with lower cortical thickness in the right precuneus. In contrast, no associations between FOMO and variations in striatal morphology were observed. Meta-analytic decoding revealed that the identified precuneus region exhibited a strong functional interaction with the default mode network (DMN) engaged in social cognitive and self-referential domains.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Together the present findings suggest that individual variations in FOMO are associated with the brain structural architecture of the right precuneus, a core hub within a large-scale functional network resembling the DMN and involved in social and self-referential processes. FOMO may promote escalating social media and smartphone use via social and self-referential processes rather than reward-related processes per se.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of treatment interventions for Internet use disorders: Critical analysis of the methodical quality according to the PRISMA guidelines

RATIONALE

As a result of concerns about predominantly online behavioral addictions, an increasing number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMA) of treatment interventions for internet use disorders (IUD) are being recorded. This review was designed to (a) systematically identify the evidence base of SRMA and to (b) critically appraise the quality of reporting according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

METHODS

Four databases were searched until August 2022 to systematically identify SRMA. PRISMA indicators were evaluated on a three-level response format to obtain an overall score operationalizing the quality of reporting (score range: 0-84). Additionally, the percentage of adherence to the PRISMA indicators was calculated.

RESULTS

Reporting quality of 23 SRMA, comprising 12 systematic reviews and 11 meta-analyses was evaluated. Quality scores ranged from 25 to 77 (M: 52.91; SD: 17.46). Results of the critical appraisal revealed deviations from the PRISMA indicators, including missing information on (a) registration of a study protocol, (b) statistical synthesis methods (c) evaluation of certainty of evidence, and (d) risk of bias assessment. Eleven (47.83%) of the SRMAs partially adhered, and twelve (52.17%) completely adhered to the PRISMA indicators.

CONCLUSION

This first critical appraisal on the reporting quality of SRMA on treatment interventions for IUD highlights limitations of the evidence base. Inadequate reporting compromises the practical utility and validity of SRMA and may complicate ongoing efforts of consensus on evidence-based interventions for IUD. Future research should focus on sufficient and transparent reporting of the methodological approach.

Risiken und Chancen der Digitalisierung

Zusammenfassung. Durch die Digitalisierung ist innerhalb von kurzer Zeit eine zusätzliche Lebenswelt für Kinder und Jugendliche entstanden. Aus kinderpsychologischer Sicht stellt sich deshalb die Fragen, welche Risiken und Chancen die Digitalisierung sowohl für die Kindesentwicklung als auch für die psychotherapeutische Versorgung birgt. Risiken der Digitalisierung, sogenannte online harms („Online-Schäden“), zeigen sich durch Aggravation oder Veränderung bereits bekannter Störungsbilder (z. B. Essstörungen, selbstverletzendes oder suizidales Verhalten, Hypochondrie) oder die Entstehung neuer Störungsbilder (z. B. Online-Verhaltenssüchte wie die Computerspielstörung). Ausschlaggebend erscheint dabei nicht die Zeit, die mit digitalen Medien verbracht wird, sondern das Nutzungsmuster und die Funktionalität der Nutzung. Gleichzeitig bieten digitale Diagnostik, Monitoring- und Feedbacksysteme sowie digitale Interventionen neue Chancen zur Verbesserung der psychotheapeutischen Versorgung. Beispielsweise können Jugendliche durch App-basierte Interventionen im Alltag besser erreicht werden, und auch für unterversorgte Populationen wie beispielsweise Angehörige bieten digitale Angebote einen niederschwelligen Zugang. Die Digitalisierung stellt somit Wissenschaft und Psychotherapie vor große Herausforderungen und neue Aufgaben.

Inanspruchnehmende einer Spielsuchtambulanz mit „Doppeldiagnosen“

Zusammenfassung: Zielsetzung: Internetnutzungsstörungen werden als wichtiges gesundheitsrelevantes Phänomen akzeptiert und sind bekanntermaßen mit hohen Raten an komorbiden psychischen Erkrankungen assoziiert. Jedoch ist das Wissen über das gleichzeitige Auftreten mit einer weiteren Verhaltenssucht begrenzt. Die vorliegende Arbeit bietet eine erste klinische Charakterisierung bei gleichzeitig auftretender Internetnutzungs- und Glücksspielstörung (Doppeldiagnose). Methodik: Die Analyse beruhte auf einer konsekutiven klinischen Stichprobe von Betroffenen ( N=1813), die sich wegen einer Verhaltenssucht ambulant vorstellten. Daten wurden aus der klinischen Exploration sowie psychometrischen Verfahren zur Erfassung von Depressivität, Stress, Angstsymptomen und Funktionsniveau erhoben und mit Betroffenen, die entweder eine Computerspiel- oder Glücksspielstörung aufwiesen, verglichen. Ergebnisse: Bei n=46 Betroffenen wurde eine Doppeldiagnose gestellt. Diese Gruppe wies zudem eine höhere Anzahl weiterer psychischer Störungen auf. Die Auswertung der klinischen Inventare wies auf eine insgesamt hohe Symptombelastung hin, ohne dass sich die Gruppen signifikant voneinander unterschieden. Schlussfolgerungen: Eine kleine Gruppe Inanspruchnehmender erfüllt die Kriterien einer Internetnutzungs- und einer Glücksspielstörung. Es ergeben sich keine auffälligen Unterschiede in der Symptombelastung zu Betroffenen mit singulärer Abhängigkeit, jedoch ist zu vermuten, dass Doppeldiagnosen eine differenzierte therapeutische Herangehensweise erfordern.

Internetnutzungsstörungen unter deutschen Jugendlichen vor und während der COVID-19-Pandemie

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Internetnutzungszeiten von Jugendlichen sind während der COVID-19-Pandemie stark angestiegen. Dies wird auch mit einer Zunahme an Internetnutzungsstörungen in Verbindung gebracht. Fragestellung: Anhand eines ipsativen Vergleichs wurde untersucht, ob mit der gestiegenen Online-Zeit während der COVID-19-Pandemie auch die schädliche und abhängige Internetnutzung bei Jugendlichen zugenommen hat. Methode: 743 Jugendliche aus acht weiterführenden Schulen in der Metropolregion Rhein-Neckar wurden in zwei Wellen (2015/2016 und 2021) mit der Compulsive Internet Use Scale untersucht. Ergebnisse: Sowohl die Symptomschwere als auch die Prävalenz der abhängigen Internetnutzung nahmen signifikant über die Zeit zu. Die Symptombelastung korrelierte außerdem negativ mit der Lebensqualität. Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung: Es wird diskutiert, wie dem erhöhten Versorgungsbedarf mit verhältnis- und verhaltenspräventiven Maßnahmen und therapeutischen Angeboten begegnet werden kann.

[Excessive Use Patterns and Internet Use Disorders: Effects on Psychosocial and Cognitive Development in Adolescence]

The growing availability of digital technologies has led to increased rates of using them as a part of daily recreational activity among adolescents. Despite their positive effects, there are ongoing debates of potential harm and health-related negative consequences, particularly when internet activities are performed excessively. This contribution provides an overview on negative aspects of digital technologies by presenting a selection of empirical findings. This overview focuses on a selection of recent methodologically sound studies investigating potential negative effects of digital technologies on the development of adolescents. As main constructs, effects on psychosocial and cognitive development and internet use disorders were investigated. Recently published studies point to substantial associations between internet overuse and negative consequences. Habitual, intense use of the internet is related to higher rates of internalizing symptoms, cognitive distortions, and heightened rates of internet use disorders among adolescents. Given these findings it seems recommendable to provide a close parental monitoring of adolescents discovering virtual worlds. By applying clear rules and supporting development of media literacy, functional use habits can be empowered and harmful effects prevented.The new clinical phenomenon of internet use disorder and its high prevalence among adolescents represents a new challenge for treatment services.