Internet addiction and problematic Internet use: A systematic review of clinical research

Unraveling the core symptoms across distinct trajectories of problematic Internet use among 27,577 adolescents: Cross-lagged panel network analyses

Problematic Internet Use (PIU) often begins in adolescence and develops along diverse trajectories. Understanding the interaction between PIU symptoms and identifying the core PIU symptoms that drive distinct trajectories among adolescents are crucial. We employed cross-lagged panel network analyses to examine temporal relationships of PIU symptoms among Chinese adolescents across four developmental trajectories over two time points. A total of 27,577 adolescents (Mean age = 13.8, SD = 1.5) participated in this study. Demographic variables and PIU symptoms were collected from December 17 to 26, 2021 (T1) and from May 17 to June 5, 2022 (T2). The symptom "Reluctant to stop" in the resilient group and "Uncontrollable checking" in the alleviating group at T1 were most predictive of remission of other symptoms at T2, while "Empty life" in the deteriorating group and "Feeling of missing" in the persistent dysfunction group were most strongly associated with worsening of other PIU symptoms. Improving self-control is likely to promote healthy and beneficial Internet use among adolescents, while enhancing social connection and fostering exercise habits may help mitigate negative emotions and reduce the emergence of additional PIU symptoms among adolescents who have developed PIU.

Caught in the Web of the Net? Part I: Meta-analyses of Problematic Internet Use and Social Media Use in (Young) People with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This article examined the internet and social media usage among (young) individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Two meta-analyses were conducted to quantify (1) the relation between ASD/autistic traits and problematic internet use (PIU, which included generalized PIU, problematic gaming, excessive smartphone use), and (2) the relation between ASD/autistic traits and social media use. The results of our first meta-analysis-comprising 46 studies and 42,274 participants-revealed that people with ASD or higher levels of autistic traits showed higher levels of PIU, with an average effect size of r = 0.26 (95% CI [0.21, 0.31]). The second meta-analysis-consisting of 15 studies and 7036 participants-indicated that people with ASD or higher levels of autistic traits were less involved on social media platforms as compared to their typically developing counterparts, with the average effect size being r = - 0.28 (95% CI [- 0.38, - 0.18]). The quality of the research on PIU and social media in persons with ASD was critically evaluated and possible directions for future research on this topic are discussed.

Psychological Well-Being and Life Satisfaction in Children and Adolescents with Chronic Illness: The Role of Depression, Nonproductive Thoughts, and Problematic Internet Use

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

The study of psychological well-being in children and adolescents living with chronic illness is of particular relevance, as the physical and psychosocial aspects of the illness can have a significant impact on their quality of life. Previous research has highlighted that depression, nonproductive thoughts and various aspects of problematic internet use may be related to life satisfaction and ways of coping with illness. This study aims to examine how depression, nonproductive thoughts, and problematic internet use interact with illness perception and burden to affect psychological well-being and life satisfaction.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 207 chronically ill children aged 10-18 years. The children, aged between 10 and 18 years old, attended regular check-ups in different specialities (gastroenterology, pulmonology, onco-haematology, and paediatric rehabilitation). A cross-sectional study was carried out using psychological instruments to measure life satisfaction (SWLS), nonproductive thoughts (NPG-K), problematic internet use (PIU-Q), illness perception (PRISM) and illness burden (PRISM-D, IIRS), and depression (BDI-R). Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to explore the associations between variables.

RESULTS

Life satisfaction was negatively related to nonproductive thoughts (r = -0.28, p < 0.001), internet obsession (r = -0.20, p < 0.01), and internet neglect (r = -0.20, p = 0.004). Conversely, a positive correlation was found with the PRISM (r = 0.14, p = 0.042), suggesting that less dominance of illness detection is associated with higher life satisfaction. Depression and nonproductive thoughts showed a strong positive relationship (r = 0.49, p < 0.001), and depression and problematic internet use also showed significant correlations for the obsession, neglect and control subscales (r = 0.23-0.29, all p < 0.001). Cluster analysis identified three psychological profiles: 'positive fighters', 'avoidant sufferers', and 'negative observers', distinguished by differences in depression, nonproductive thoughts, illness burden, and well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the quality of life of children and adolescents with chronic illness is significantly affected by mental health factors, particularly depression, nonproductive thoughts and problematic internet use. Illness perception and illness-related distress also play a key role in shaping life satisfaction and overall psychosocial well-being. These findings underscore the need for targeted psychological interventions in pediatric chronic care to enhance well-being and promote adaptive coping and suggest that psychological interventions and targeted psychosocial support can significantly improve these children's quality of life. Further research is needed to explore intervention options and to develop optimal support strategies.

The relationship between family support and Internet addiction among adolescents in Western China: the chain mediating effect of physical exercise and depression

OBJECTIVE

This investigation was designed to assess the mediating effects of physical exercise and depression on the relationship between family support and Internet addiction (IA) among adolescents in Western China.

METHODS

A total of 807 adolescents (404 boys and 403 girls, aged 13.80 ± 1.58 years) from Western China completed a self-report questionnaire that measured family support, physical exercise, depression, and IA. We employed SPSS and the Process macro for correlation and mediation analyses.

RESULTS

The survey results revealed an inverse association between family support and IA, along with a positive association between family support and physical exercise. IA showed a negative correlation with physical exercise and a positive correlation with depression. Physical exercise was also found to be inversely related to depression. After controlling for age and gender, mediation analysis indicated that physical exercise and depression mediated the relationship between family support and IA in adolescents.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a more profound comprehension of the complex pathways linking family support to adolescent IA. These findings could inform targeted interventions that leverage family support to foster physical activity and mental well-being, thereby mitigating the risk of IA.

Internet Addiction Among Turkish Adults: The Role of Motives for Internet Use

The use of the internet has become an increasingly integral part of individuals' daily lives, bringing negative consequences such as internet addiction. Understanding the motivations behind internet use is crucial for preventing addiction and developing effective intervention strategies. The objectives of this study are to test the validity and reliability of the Questionnaire of Internet Use Motives (MUI) among Turkish adults and to investigate the predictive effects of socio-demographic variables and internet use motivations on internet addiction. The study was conducted with a sample of 640 adults selected through convenience sampling at two different time points. The majority of participants were women, highly educated, and from a middle socioeconomic background. Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Questionnaire of Internet Use Motives (MUI), and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). To evaluate the structural validity of the scale, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed. Additionally, measurement invariance across genders was examined, and Hierarchical Multiple Linear Regression Analyses were conducted to identify predictors of internet addiction. CFA confirmed the structural validity of the MUI, revealing a five-factor structure with a good fit to the data. The five identified motives were enhancement, coping, social, conformity, and utility. The analyses also demonstrated that the scale possesses convergent and discriminant validity, as well as high reliability. Furthermore, the instrument exhibited measurement invariance across genders. Significant predictors of internet addiction included educational level, socioeconomic status, and the enhancement, social, coping, and conformity motives. The validated MUI provides a robust tool for assessing internet use motives in Turkish adults, offering a foundation for future research and intervention development. Addressing psychological motives such as enhancement, social, coping, and conformity in prevention and treatment strategies may reinforce efforts to mitigate problematic internet use.

Assessing the Spectrum of Internet Use in a Healthy Sample: Altered Psychological States and Intact Brain Responses to an Equiprobable Go/NoGo Task

Problematic internet use (PIU) is linked to psychological distress and cognitive alterations, yet its early pre-clinical effects remain unclear. This study explored the psychological, behavioral, and neurophysiological correlates of PIU in a healthy, non-clinical population, focusing on response inhibition and execution within internet use patterns. A total of 133 participants (74 females, aged 18-35) were assessed using PIUQ-9 and DPIU questionnaires, along with measures of anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. An auditory equiprobable Go/NoGo task was used and event-related potentials (ERPs; N1/N2/P2/P3) were analyzed in relation to PIU severity and different online activities engagement. Additionally, behavioral, psychological, and neurophysiological profiles of individuals with high and low PIU levels were compared. PIU severity correlated with anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, while Go/NoGo task accuracy was unaffected. N1 amplitudes negatively correlated with PIU severity and gaming engagement, suggesting altered early sensory processing. NoGo-P3 latency positively correlated with information search engagement, indicating delayed inhibitory processing in frequent online searchers. High and low PIU groups differed in psychological measures but not in ERP or behavioral measures. Our findings confirm psychological distress in PIU alongside subtle neurophysiological alterations, suggesting that ERP measures in the equiprobable Go/NoGo task may not be highly sensitive PIU risk biomarkers in non-clinical populations.

Unraveling the Complexity of Internet Addiction: A Multi-Faceted Perspective from Five Key Studies

Internet addiction (IA) is one of the global concerns of our time, and research continues on understanding its psychological, neurobiological, and behavioral bases [...].

Social Media Addiction and Poor Mental Health: Examining the Mediating Roles of Internet Addiction and Phubbing

Many researchers have examined the potential detrimental role of problematic social media use (often referred as 'social media addiction') on mental health. The present study investigated how social media addiction is associated with three components of mental health: depression, anxiety, and stress. In addition, structural equation modeling was used to test the mediating roles of internet addiction and phubbing among a sample of young adults (N = 603). Results showed that social media addiction was associated with poorer mental health via internet addiction and phubbing. More specifically, associations between social media addiction and stress, and social media addiction and anxiety were explained by both internet addiction and phubbing. The association between social media addiction and depression was explained by internet addiction only. These results remained consistent after controlling for gender, age, frequency of internet use, frequency of social media use, and frequency of smartphone use. These findings extend the extant literature by providing evidence for the dual roles of internet addiction and phubbing in explaining the relationship between social media addiction and poor mental health. Social media addiction did not directly influence poorer mental health but did via internet addiction and phubbing. Therefore, greater awareness of the inter-relationships between technology-based behaviors and their impact on mental health is needed among a wide range of stakeholders, and these inter-relationships need considering in the prevention and treatment of technology-based disorders.

Effect of task nature during short digital deprivation on time perception and psychophysiological state

The technological advances in recent years are influencing and redefining our daily lives, communications, and social relationships. While these advances bring us many benefits, their negative effects may also cause concern. Although often studied, the potential benefits of digital deprivation are still disputed. This laboratory study investigates the impact of short digital deprivation (7 min and 30 s) on the psychophysiological state and time perception of 90 participants. Three experimental conditions were created for the task performed during the waiting period (30 subjects per condition). Participants had to either freely use their smartphone, perform a non-digital task (sudoku), or wait (i.e. passive digital deprivation). Indicators of electrodermal activity and heart rate variability were calculated for the baseline and waiting periods, along with measures of subjective affective state. Four measures of time perception were also collected after the waiting period. Regardless of their experimental condition, the participants underestimated the duration of the waiting period on average (5 min 44 vs. 7 min 30). Passive digitally deprived participants felt that the time passed more slowly and were more bored than participants engaged in a task, regardless of whether the task was digital or not. Sudoku induced more positive affect and was more cognitively engaging than the free use of a smartphone regarding heart rate variability measures. The results suggest that performing a digital task (free smartphone use) is less cognitively demanding than a non-digital task (sudoku) and alters time perception in the same way. The digital nature of a task might also impact one's affective reaction. A similar study in the field with longer or repetitive digital deprivation periods and a different non-digital task to perform (e.g., reading news) should be conducted to confirm the results obtained in this study.

Persuasive strategies in digital interventions to combat internet addiction: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The internet provides valuable benefits in supporting our lives. However, concerns arise regarding internet addiction, a behavioural disorder due to excessive and uncontrolled internet use that has harmful effects on human health and wellbeing. Studies highlighted the potential of digital behaviour change interventions to address health behaviour problems. However, little is known about how and to what extent persuasive strategies can be utilised in digital interventions to combat internet addiction. Accordingly, this systematic review aims to investigate the design and implementation of persuasive strategies in digital interventions to combat internet addiction, including their contexts, features, and outcomes.

METHODS

We searched for peer-reviewed articles from four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, ACM, and PubMed). The Persuasive Systems Design (PSD) model and Behaviour Change Technique (BCT) taxonomy were used to identify persuasive strategies. We included 14 primary studies discussing digital interventions to address the problem and their outcomes.

RESULTS

Four persuasion contexts were identified, including 1) self-management systems to reduce internet use, 2) analytics systems to examine use patterns and provide behavioural suggestions, 3) parental control systems to manage children's internet use, and 4) unattractive settings to discourage internet use. The promising interventions used the following persuasion route: help the user determine behaviour goals, facilitate actions to accomplish behaviour goals, and reinforce the user to perform behaviour goals. Potential persuasive strategies were also identified, including goal-setting, action planning, task reduction, tunnelling how to perform a behaviour, tailored and personalised suggestions/prompts, reminders, trustworthiness, anticipated regret, and social support strategies.

CONCLUSION

Our findings shed light on the promising persuasive contexts and strategies to combat internet addiction using digital interventions. We suggest future research and practices to utilise our findings to develop effective digital interventions, especially for combatting internet addiction in vulnerable populations like children or people from developing regions.

Do adolescents with hearing loss use social media and the internet differently from their hearing peers?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the internet and social media use of teenagers with hearing loss with that of their normal hearing peers.

METHODS

The study included 27 hearing-impaired and 27 normal-hearing peers (12-18 years). The Social Media Attitude Scale, the Internet Use Purposes Scale, University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale and the Problematic Internet Use Scale were used to compare hearing-loss and normal-hearing groups.

RESULTS

The social isolation subscale and Social Media Attitude Scale total score differed between groups (p = 0.001 and p = 0.048, respectively). Internet Use Purposes Scale education subscale differences were statistically significant (p = 0.042). Negative consequences (p = 0.007), excessive use (p = 0.021) and Problematic Internet Use Scale total score (p = 0.005) differed significantly. The University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale had a moderate negative connection with the Problematic Internet Use Scale's social benefit/comfort subscale and total score (r = 0.369, p = 0.006 and r = -0.309, p = 0.023, respectively).

CONCLUSION

While adolescents with hearing loss have limited online educational resources, problematic internet use is a concern. When overused, the internet can reduce loneliness, but it can also have harmful consequences.

Examining the comorbidity network of Internet addiction and depression: the role of effortful control on their bridge symptoms in adolescents

Background and aims

Internet addiction (IA) and depression commonly co-occur in adolescents, yet the mechanisms underlying their comorbidity remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the comorbidity mechanism through network analysis, identifying bridge symptoms linking IA and depression, and exploring sex differences. Additionally, the study examines the association between effortful control (EC) and bridge symptoms, providing insights for interventions.

Methods

A school-based survey was conducted among 7th to 9th-grade students in Japan. Participants completed questionnaires assessing IA (measured by the Young Diagnostic Questionnaire), depression (measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents), and EC (measured by the Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire). Network analysis was employed to identify bridge symptoms and examine their association with EC. Bootstrapping for network analysis was conducted to assess network accuracy and stability as well as sex differences in the network structures.

Results

Among the 4,111 students approached, 3,909 (1,904 male and 2,005 female) students filled out the survey. Bridge symptoms such as "Escape" (from the IA cluster) and "Concentration" (from the depression cluster) were found important in both male and female students. Our analysis also revealed differences in the importance of the bridge symptoms across males and females with "Psychomotor" symptoms (from the depression cluster) predominantly in males and "Feeling Guilty" (from the depression cluster) and "Functional impairment" (from the IA cluster) predominantly in females. EC showed a notable negative association with "Concentration", suggesting important relationships between the transdiagnostic factor and bridge symptoms in understanding the comorbid conditions. The network comparison test did not reveal significant differences in the network structures across sexes.

Discussion and conclusions

The study revealed differences in bridge symptoms linking IA and depression between male and female students. Our findings provide valuable insights for understanding the comorbidity mechanisms of IA and depression in adolescents. Further research using a longitudinal study design is warranted to identify the directionality between EC and bridge symptoms.

The experiences in close relationship and internet addiction among college Students: A moderated mediation model of anxiety and information cocoon

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Internet addiction is one of the most serious behavioral addiction problems affecting the physical and mental health of college students. A model is constructed to reveal the mediating role of anxiety and the moderating role of information cocoons in the relationship between the experiences in close relationship and internet addiction among college students in this article.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey investigated 2946 college students in China who had experienced close romantic relationships. A questionnaire was used to measure the general information, the experiences in close relationship, internet addiction, anxiety, information cocoons among participants.

RESULTS

The poorer experiences in close relationship were directly associated with a higher risk of internet addiction among college students. Anxiety mediated the relationship between the experiences in close relationship and internet addiction. Additionally, the information cocoon was also found to moderate an indirect effect: a higher level of information cocoons diminished the impact of the experiences in close relationship on anxiety, while information cocoons intensified the association between anxiety and internet addiction.

CONCLUSIONS

A positive close relationship can alleviate anxiety and thereby help prevent internet addiction. Meanwhile, various interventions should be implemented to avoid falling into the information cocoons to promote mental health and reduce internet addiction among college students.

Impact of internet addiction and gaming disorder on body weight in children and adolescents: A systematic review

AIM

Internet use and gaming have increased in daily life. Internet addiction has not been recognised in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition or 11th Revision of International Classification of Diseases despite gaming addiction having been listed since 2013. Previous studies have shown an association between internet use and weight gain or disordered eating patterns in the general population, however none have addressed this association in a paediatric population. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between internet addiction or gaming addiction and weight in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

METHODS

A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted, and articles were screened for relevance. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) 3 critical appraisal tool was used to assess quality of studies. Due to heterogeneity of the studies, a meta-analysis could not be performed, thus a narrative summary was performed with the results summarised and tabulated.

RESULTS

Of 8114 initial articles identified, we included 14 studies. The review produced inconsistent results, with three of the 14 studies demonstrating no statistically significant relationship between internet and/or gaming addiction and obesity. The remaining 11 studies showed a statistically significant positive association. One study demonstrated that those who are underweight as well as overweight and obese were more likely to have problematic internet use. Four articles demonstrated increased rates of poor nutritional habits, poor eating patterns and weight control behaviour in children and adolescents with internet addiction or gaming disorder. Another study showed no statistically significant association between internet addiction and disordered eating or eating disorder.

CONCLUSION

Most of the available studies revealed increased rates of obesity in children and adolescents with internet addiction or gaming disorder, with poor patterns of eating. Clearer definitions and consistent use of terminology are required to enable more robust research in this field.

Resilience as a predictor of internet addictive behaviours: a study among Ghanaian and Saudi samples using structural equation modelling approach

This study aimed to examine the relationship between resilience and internet addictive behaviours, focusing on cross-cultural contexts involving tertiary education students in Ghana and Saudi Arabia. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 738 students across selected universities in both countries. Structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques were employed to analyse the data. The findings indicated that most respondents exhibited low resilience levels alongside a high prevalence of internet addictive behaviours. A significant positive relationship was identified between resilience levels and various dimensions of internet addiction, as well as the overall composite of internet addictive behaviours. Interestingly, while low resilience levels were found to increase the risk of internet addiction, higher resilience levels also appeared to heighten susceptibility to addictive behaviours. These results suggest the need for targeted interventions to address internet addiction. Programs should focus on enhancing resilience through resilience-building initiatives, promoting digital well-being, and integrating mental health support services. These approaches can help mitigate the risks associated with internet addiction while fostering healthier coping mechanisms in students across diverse cultural settings.

Socioeconomic status and internet addiction: double-mediated moderation

BACKGROUND

Internet addiction is typically linked with a variety of psychological and behavioral problems, the prevalence of Internet addiction among Chinese college students was higher than that of the general population.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to test the mediating and moderating effects of socioeconomic status (SES), loneliness, alienation and grade on Internet addiction among Chinese college students.

METHODS

Total of 496 college students were studied, partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was conducted to analyze the obtained data.

RESULTS

The study found that SES can negatively predict Internet addiction (β=-0.145, p < 0.001). Moreover, loneliness and alienation play separate (β=-0.098, p < 0.001; β=-0.046, p < 0.01) and serial (β=-0.071, p < 0.001) mediating roles between SES and Internet addiction, and multigroup analysis showed that grade (sophomore year as the baseline) plays a moderation role in the association between SES → Internet addiction (sophomores vs. juniors; β = 0.249, p < 0.05) and SES →loneliness (sophomore vs. seniors; β = 0.255, p < 0.05). The VAF value was 70.27% for the mediation effect of the loneliness and alienation in the relationship between SES and Internet addiction.

CONCLUSIONS

SES not only has a direct effect on college students' Internet addiction behavior but also has an indirect effect on it through the chain mediation effect of loneliness and alienation. The study reveals that grade level moderates the effects, suggesting tailored interventions are needed. This research could inform measures to mitigate addiction by addressing SES, loneliness, and alienation.

Research landscape and trends of internet addiction disorder: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of publications in the past 20 years

Background

Internet addiction disorder (IAD) has emerged as a significant public health concern in the digital age, with implications for mental health and social wellbeing. Despite growing recognition, IAD remains a relatively nascent field within academic research.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to explore the global research landscape and trends of IAD. Our methodology involved analyzing author analysis, journal analysis, keywords, and citations in publications related to IAD from 2004 to 2024.

Results

We identified "internet addiction," "internet gaming disorder," and "adolescent" as the most frequently occurring keywords, highlighting significant research areas within IAD. The analysis revealed that terms like "social media addiction," "problematic smartphone use," and "COVID-19" have gained prominence in recent years, reflecting the evolving nature of digital technology's impact on mental health. Clustering analysis illustrated the interdisciplinary nature of IAD research, integrating insights from psychology, sociology, network science, and psychiatry. Citation analysis identified highly influential papers, such as Kuss and Griffiths' review on social networking addiction and Brand et al.'s I-PACE model for internet-use disorders.

Conclusions

Our findings highlighted the importance of continuing interdisciplinary research to address the multifaceted challenges of IAD. Future research should focus on the intersections of digital behaviors with mental health, personality traits, and social dynamics to develop comprehensive strategies for prevention and intervention.

Problematic Internet use among resident physicians at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Problematic Internet use (PIU) is a growing concern in modern society. There is a limitation of epidemiologic data related to PIU. This is due to a lack of consensus on the definition and variability of assessment tools of PIU. PIU has been linked to a range of negative outcomes including depression, anxiety, social isolation, and poor academic or work performance. Resident physicians are at risk of exhibiting problematic internet use due to the high stress of academic demands, social isolation, long working hours, busy schedules, and internet access. There is limited research on this topic and targeting resident physicians in Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the PIU prevalence and associated factors among resident physicians in SPHMMC, Ethiopia.

METHODS

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1, 2023, to November 25, 2023, at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC). This study included 417 physician residents who were selected using multistage sampling techniques, and Young's Internet addiction test was used to assess PIU. To look for associations, logistic regression analysis, both binary and multivariable, was performed, and a p-value of < 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance.

RESULTS

414 participants were included in this study, with a response rate of 99.3%. The prevalence of PIU was 46.6%, with a 95% CI of 41.7-51.6%. The multivariable logistic regression model revealed that using the Internet for five or more hours per day (AOR: 1.84, 95% CI = 1.14, 2.99), having less than 7 h of actual sleep per night (AOR: 2.16, 95% CI = 1.03, 4.53), and having depression (AOR: 7.98, 95% CI = 2.47, 25.78) were significantly positively associated with PIU. In addition, factors such as being married (AOR: 0.42, 95% CI = 0.19, 0.91) and residents of the obstetrics and gynecology department (AOR: 0.32, 95% CI = 0.13, 0.81) were negatively associated with PIU.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed high PIU use among resident physicians at SPHMMC. Factors such as using the Internet for five or more hours per day, having less than seven hours of actual sleep per night, and having depression were found to be risk factors for PIU. On the other hand, being married and residents of the obstetrics and gynecology department were protective factors. Thus, creating awareness among medical residents about healthy tech habits and involving policymakers to develop guidelines for healthy internet use and awareness campaigns to reduce the impact of PIU is recommended.

Network analysis of adolescent non-suicidal self-injury subgroups identified through latent profile analysis

BACKGROUND

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is common among adolescents and frequently co-occurs with depression. Understanding the distinct patterns of NSSI behaviors, along with their associated risk and protective factors, is crucial for developing effective interventions.

AIM

To classify NSSI behaviors and examine interactions between risk and resilience factors in Chinese adolescents.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study involving 3967 Chinese students (51.7% female, mean age 13.58 ± 2.24 years) who completed questionnaires on parenting styles, bullying, childhood maltreatment, depression, resilience, and NSSI. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify NSSI subtypes, and network analysis explored interactions between risk and resilience factors.

RESULTS

Three NSSI subtypes were identified: NSSI with depression (18.8%), NSSI without depression (12.3%), and neither (68.9%). Bullying was the central risk factor across subtypes, while emotional control and family support were key protective factors. Statistical analyses showed significant differences between groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study identified three NSSI subtypes among Chinese adolescents. Bullying emerged as a central risk factor, while emotional control and family support were key protective factors. Targeting these areas may help reduce NSSI behaviors in this population.

Problematic internet use profiles and their associated factors among adolescents

The cognitive-behavioral model of generalized Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is the theoretical approach that has obtained the most evidence on the study of this problem, which includes four components: Online Social Preference, Mood Regulation, Deficient Self-Regulation, and Negative Outcomes. This study aimed to identify PIU profiles using Latent Profile Analysis, and to analyze the differences in them attending to some of the principal PIU risk and protective factors. A total of 675 Spanish adolescents completed questionnaires assessing PIU, Internet usage, mental health problems, personality, psychological strengths, and family relationships. Four profiles were obtained: Nonproblematic use (68.30% of the sample), Slightly problematic use (17.90% of the sample), Problematic use (8.50% of the sample), and Severe problematic use (5.40% of the sample). Results showed differences between them, with the profile with more PIU having more risk factors and less protective factors. Results showed that many different personal and social variables included in the study play a role in PIU. Knowing the different PIU profiles can help in the design of more specific and precise procedures and instruments for risk assessment, as well as aiding in prevention and in the design of more individualized treatments.

Exploring the Relationship of Smartphone Addiction on Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Symptoms, and Sleep Quality Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of smartphone usage is steadily rising, leading to the potential development of addiction due to problematic use. This study examined the relationship between smartphone addiction, self-perceived attention deficit and hyperactivity symptoms, and sleep quality among 443 university students at Bingöl University.

METHODS

Participants completed several questionnaires, including the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale.

RESULTS

This study examined 443 participants, with a mean age of 20.97 ± 3.29, of whom 72.7% (n = 322) were female. Results showed that the majority of participants primarily used smartphones (94.8%, n = 420) for social media browsing (49.9%, n = 221). Factors such as smoking, preference for smartphone screens, and prolonged screen exposure significantly affected sleep quality. Smartphone addiction rates were notable, with 50.4% (n = 61) of males and 47.2% (n = 152) of females being affected; this addiction was associated with poorer sleep quality. Correlations were found between age, sleep duration, and scores on smartphone addiction, sleep quality, and attention deficit scales. Linear regression analysis revealed that age, attention deficit scores, and sleep quality scores significantly influenced levels of smartphone addiction.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings contribute valuable insights into the impact of smartphone addiction on attention and sleep in university students.

A meta-review of screening and treatment of electronic "addictions"

Concerns surrounding electronic addictions, an umbrella term including any clinically significant technology-based addictive problem, have increased as technology has advanced. Although researchers and clinicians have observed detrimental effects associated with excessive technology use, there is no agreed-on definition or set of criteria for these problems. The lack of a consistent understanding of electronic addictions has led to a lack of consistency in both assessment and treatment studies, precluding strong recommendations for effective screening and clinical intervention. This meta-review integrates findings from 22 systematic reviews and meta-analyses of electronic addictions to determine which measures and interventions may effectively measure and treat electronic addictions. We conducted a meta-review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Findings suggest that although some measures may have good internal consistency and reliability among college students, there was a general lack of consistency in how measures were used across studies, making comparison difficult. Psychological and exercise-based interventions were shown to reduce symptoms of electronic addictions short-term, but no treatment was superior to others in overall symptom reduction. Most included reviews raise serious concerns about the lack of consensus on what constitutes an electronic addiction. Consequently, it was not possible to draw conclusions about the overall efficacy of any measurement tools or interventions. We provide suggestions for next steps to establish the phenomenology of electronic addictions before additional research on assessment and intervention is conducted.

Path analysis reveals cross-country differences between Czech and Chinese university students in effect of internet and smartphone addiction, mental health, and personality traits on academic achievement in the post-pandemic era

Despite extensive evidence on the impact of various mental health issues including smartphone/internet addiction, and personality traits on academic achievement, little is known about the complex interactions between multiple of these factors simultaneously, as well as cross-country differences in these nuanced relationships. In particular, understanding the role of the mentioned addictions has become increasingly important in recent years in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this cross-country study was to investigate, using path analysis, the complex relationships between mental health determinants (depression, anxiety, stress, resilience, and smartphone/internet addiction) and academic achievement in 1785 Czech and Chinese university students using an online battery of psychological tests. The results confirmed the previously described effect of multiple factors (anxiety, stress, resilience, smartphone/internet addiction, personality traits, and sex, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness) on academic achievement, overlapping in most cases for both groups of students. At the same time, however, different country-dependent patterns of interactions emerged. For the Czech students, the variables formed a complex network of interacting factors, whereas for the Chinese students, the effect of each cluster of factors was separate for individual domains of academic achievement. These cross-country differences have implications particularly for planning and targeting the most effective interventions to promote and develop academic achievement.

The comorbidity mechanism of problematic internet use and depression among Chinese college students: A cross-lagged panel network analysis

Problematic internet use (PIU) and depression usually co-occur and are common among college students. According to network theory, it may be attributed to the interplay of symptoms that connect these two mental health problems. However, most studies have failed to examine complex and subtle connections at the symptom level and have not clarified how PIU and depression symptoms are intercorrelated, which symptoms serve as the source of comorbidity (i.e., the central symptoms), and whether such a comorbidity mechanism would change with higher grades. To explore these questions, this study examined four contemporaneous networks and three cross-lagged panel networks, visualizing the symptoms as nodes and the connections between symptoms as edges. A total of 2,420 college students (Mage = 18.35, SD = 0.84; 67.98 % girls) completed four annual surveys. Overall, the results of contemporaneous networks and cross-lagged panel networks indicated that (a) PIU and depression symptoms are intercorrelated; (b) the core symptoms responsible for comorbidity mostly belonged to PIU, and (c) the comorbidity mechanism would change with time. These findings explain the dynamic relation between PIU and depression and identify possible primary symptoms that comorbidity programs can mitigate at different stages of the college years.

Impact of Social Media Addiction Among Medical Students on Their Social Interaction, Well-Being, and Personality: A Comparative Study

Background Social media addiction has emerged as a growing concern, particularly among young adults, including medical students who face unique stressors and demands. The widespread usage of social media platforms can lead to addictive behaviors affecting mental health, academic performance, and interpersonal relationships. Understanding the relationship between social media addiction, personality traits, social interaction, and overall well-being is crucial for developing effective interventions to support this vulnerable group. Aim To study the relationship of social media addiction with social interaction, well-being, and personality in medical students. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 students from a medical institution, including both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Data were collected through an online survey, administered via Google Forms. Social Media Addiction Scale-Student Form (SMA-SF), Social Interaction Anxiety Scale and Social Phobia Scale, Medical Student Well-Being Index (MSWBI), Three-Item Loneliness Scale (T-ILS), and Short Big Five Inventory Scale (BFI-10) were applied to all the participants. Results A total of 292 medical students participated in the study, comprising 122 males and 170 females. The analysis revealed that both male and female students exhibit similar levels of susceptibility to social media addiction, as evidenced by comparable scores on measures of social media addiction, social interaction anxiety, social phobia, loneliness, well-being, and personality traits. Regression analysis identified time spent on social media and agreeableness as significant predictors of social media addiction, with no signs of multicollinearity. These findings indicate that male and female medical students share similar psychological profiles, highlighting critical factors that influence social media usage within this population. Conclusion This study highlights a significant prevalence of social media addiction among medical students, affecting 76.7% (n = 224) of participants, with slightly higher rates observed among females (n = 132, 78%) compared to males (n = 92, 72%). This addiction correlates with adverse psychological traits such as heightened social interaction anxiety, social phobia, and loneliness, along with personality traits like neuroticism. Both genders exhibit similar susceptibility to addiction, influenced by factors such as time spent socializing and agreeableness. Addressing these findings through targeted interventions could improve medical students' overall well-being and mental health outcomes, underscoring the need for further research and effective strategies in academic settings.

Preventive Interventions for Internet Addiction in Young Children: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

In this digital age, children typically start using the internet in early childhood. Studies highlighted that young children are vulnerable to internet addiction due to personal limitations and social influence (eg, family and school). Internet addiction can have long-term harmful effects on children's health and well-being. The high risk of internet addiction for vulnerable populations like young children has raised questions about how best to prevent the problem.

OBJECTIVE

This review study aimed to investigate the existing interventions and explore future directions to prevent or reduce internet addiction risks in children younger than 12 years.

METHODS

The systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. We searched for relevant literature from 4 research databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycINFO). We included 14 primary studies discussing the interventions to prevent or reduce internet addiction risks in young children and their efficacy outcomes.

RESULTS

The preventive interventions identified were categorized into four approaches as follows: (1) children's education, (2) parenting strategy, (3) strategic physical activity, and (4) counseling. Ten interventions showed promising efficacy in preventing or reducing internet addiction risks with small-to-medium effect sizes. Interventions that enhance children's competencies in having appropriate online behaviors and literacy were more likely to show better efficacy than interventions that force children to reduce screen time. Interventions that shift children's focus from online activities to real-world activities also showed promising efficacy in reducing engagement with the internet, thereby preventing addictive behaviors. We also identified the limitations of each approach (eg, temporariness, accessibility, and implementation) as valuable considerations in developing future interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest the need to develop more sustainable and accessible interventions to encourage healthy online behaviors through education, appropriate parenting strategies, and substitutive activities to prevent children's overdependence on the internet. Developing digital tools and social support systems can be beneficial to improve the capability, efficiency, and accessibility of the interventions. Future interventions also need to consider their appropriateness within familial context or culture and provide adequate implementation training. Last, policy makers and experts can also contribute by making design guidelines to prevent digital product developers from making products that can encourage overuse in children.

Effects of COVID-19 lockdown on children´s sleep quality, physical activity, screen time, and diet

Introduction

Background: this study aimed to assess how the COVID-19 lockdown (March to June 2020) affected children's sleep quality, physical activity, screen time, and nutrition. Material and methods: the survey consisted of 479 children from the SENDO project, a pediatric cohort in Spain, aged 4-5 years. The BEAR questionnaire was used to evaluate sleep quality. Hierarchical models with two-level clustering were used to account for intra-cluster correlation between siblings, and the difference regression method was used to study the association between changes in screen consumption and physical activity and changes in sleep quality. Results: the results showed an increase in the consumption of homemade pastries and snacks. Sleep quality worsened significantly during confinement, with a mean score on the BEAR scale of 0.52 before, 1.43 during, and 1.07 after confinement. Although sleep quality improved significantly after the end of confinement, it remained worse than before. The average daily screen time increased from 1.13 hours before confinement to 2.65 hours during confinement. Physical activity decreased during confinement, with the mean number of hours per day decreasing from 1.27 to 0.79. Children who spent more time on screens during confinement had worse sleep quality, as indicated by their higher scores on the BEAR scale. We used the difference regression method to identify a statistically significant association between the increased screen time for leisure hours and the worsening of children's sleep quality during confinement. Conclusion: we observed a significant relationship between confinement and reduced sleep quality. Although the end of the lockdown led to a slight improvement, the average BEAR scale score remained higher post-confinement, suggesting that the consequences of the lockdown may persist over time.

Association between internet addiction and musculoskeletal disorders in Iranian medical sciences students

BACKGROUND

The utilization of the Internet can lead to adverse outcomes in students' lives. Prolonged Internet usage may result in academic failure, an elevated risk of musculoskeletal problems, and the emergence of issues impacting the lives of students and their peers. This study aimed to explore the relationship between Internet addiction and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among students in the field of medical sciences.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 314 medical sciences students in Semnan, Iran, were assessed using the census sampling method. The participants' Internet addiction status and the presence of MSDs were determined through Young's Internet Addiction questionnaire and the Nordic self-report questionnaire, respectively. Data underwent analysis employing logistic regression test to ascertain the relationship between Internet addiction and MSDs.

RESULTS

Among the 314 participating students in this research, about 21% and 1.6% of the participants were lay open to and suffered from Internet addiction, respectively. Internet addiction was associated with the presence of pain, discomfort, burning, or numbness in the neck, wrist, upper back, hips, and thighs. For each unit increase in the Internet addiction score, the chance of neck and wrist pain rises by 3% compared to a 2% increase in upper back and hip/thigh pain.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study indicate that excessive Internet use is linked to a heightened risk of MSDs in medical sciences students. Consequently, it is imperative to raise awareness about these complications and promote the adoption of proper posture when using the Internet. Further research is also warranted among diverse student populations to investigate the impact of Internet addiction.

Validation of an Instrument for Detecting Problematic Internet Use in Adolescents

Problematic internet use (PIU) has drawn attention due to its potentially negative consequences on individuals' social and personal lives. At present, a consensus on diagnostic criteria for problematic internet use remains elusive, leaving uncertainty regarding its classification as a distinct mental disorder. Extensive research efforts are underway to investigate its underlying causes, risk factors, and correlated adverse consequences. Nonetheless, research on problematic internet use (PIU) frequently faces challenges due to the absence of consistent and dependable evaluation methods, with many existing assessment tools lacking a solid theoretical basis. This study introduces a novel instrument that incorporates positive emotional regulation along with negative emotional regulation, compulsive use, and cognitive preoccupation, all crucial aspects of PIU. The study involved 3054 adolescents from Madrid, Spain, and employed exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to validate the instrument's structure. The resulting four-factor model includes Positive Emotional Regulation, Negative Emotional Regulation, Compulsive Use, and Cognitive Preoccupation. The instrument demonstrates good internal consistency and an association with risk factors, as evidenced by correlations with time spent on various internet-related activities. This comprehensive tool enhances our understanding of PIU and its underlying cognitive and emotional processes and provides a valuable resource for assessing and addressing problematic internet use in adolescents.

Does internet addiction affect the level of emotional intelligence among nursing students? A cross-sectional study

AIM

To examine the effect of internet addiction on emotional intelligence among nursing students. Internet addiction, especially among nursing students, is an ongoing and urgent issue globally. Despite studies acknowledging its negative effects, the specific impact on the emotional intelligence of college students is not completely explored and needs more investigation.

DESIGN

A correlational cross-sectional descriptive study.

METHODS

Participants included 180 nursing students from Mansoura University, Egypt. They completed the Socio-demographic sheet, Internet Addiction Test, and Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were conducted to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Nursing students experience a moderate level of internet addiction and a neutral level of emotional intelligence. A significant negative relationship was established between internet addiction among students and their emotional intelligence (r = - 0.53, p < 0.001) and its four facets: perception of emotion, managing own emotions, managing others' emotions, and utilization of emotion. Regression analysis showed that internet addiction had a negative effect on emotional intelligence among nursing students (β = - 0.553, p < 0.001) and explained 30.5% of the variance of emotional intelligence among nursing students.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings suggest that internet addiction negatively impacts the emotional intelligence of nursing students, which is crucial for effective interpersonal relations and professional competence in nursing.

IMPLICATIONS

The study underscores the need for educational programs to raise awareness about the hazards of excessive internet use and to promote activities that mitigate internet addiction.

Online communities come with real-world consequences for individuals and societies

Online communities have become a central part of the internet. Understanding what motivates users to join these communities, and how they affect them and others, spans various psychological domains, including organizational psychology, political and social psychology, and clinical and health psychology. We focus on online communities that are exemplary for three domains: work, hate, and addictions. We review the risks that emerge from these online communities but also recognize the opportunities that work and behavioral addiction communities present for groups and individuals. With the continued evolution of online spheres, online communities are likely to have an increasingly significant role in all spheres of life, ranging from personal to professional and from individual to societal. Psychological research provides critical insights into understanding the formation of online communities, and the implications for individuals and society. To counteract risks, it needs to identify opportunities for prevention and support.

Comparing psychopathological symptoms, life satisfaction, and personality traits between the WHO and APA frameworks of gaming disorder symptoms: A psychometric investigation

INTRODUCTION

The inclusion of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in the fifth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) by the American Psychiatric Association and Gaming Disorder in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) by the World Health Organization requires consistent psychological measures for reliable estimates. The current study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Gaming Disorder Test (GDT), the Ten-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT-10), and the Five-Item Gaming Disorder Test (GDT-5) and to compare the WHO and the APA frameworks of gaming disorder symptoms in terms of psychopathological symptoms, life satisfaction, and personality traits.

METHODS

A sample of 723 Swedish gamers was recruited (29.8% women, 68.3% men, 1.9% other, Mage = 29.50 years, SD = 8.91).

RESULTS

The results indicated notable differences regarding the estimated possible risk groups between the two frameworks. However, the association between gaming disorder symptoms and personality traits, life satisfaction, and psychopathological symptoms appeared consistent across the two frameworks. The results showed excellent psychometric properties in support of the one-factor model of the GDT, IGDT-10, and GDT-5, including good reliability estimates (McDonald's omega) and evidence of construct validity. Additionally, the results demonstrated full gender and age measurement invariance of the GDT, IGDT-10, and GDT-5, indicating that gaming disorder symptoms are measured equally across the subgroups.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that the IGDT-10, GDT-5, and GDT are appropriate measures for assessing gaming disorder symptoms and facilitating future research in Sweden.

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.

Cannabis use, mental health, and problematic Internet use in Quebec: A study protocol

BACKGROUND

Problematic Internet use is characterized by excessive use of online platforms that can result in social isolation, family problems, psychological distress, and even suicide. Problematic Internet use has been associated with cannabis use disorder, however knowledge on the adult population remains limited. In Quebec, cannabis use has significatively increased since 2018, and it is associated with various risks in public safety, public health, and mental health. This study aims to identify factors associated with problematic Internet use among adult cannabis users and to better understand their experiences.

METHOD

This project is a mixed explanatory sequential study consisting of two phases. Phase 1 (n = 1500) will be a cross-sectional correlational study using probability sampling to examine variables that predispose individuals to problematic Internet use, characteristics associated with cannabis use, Internet use, and the mental health profile of adult cannabis users in Quebec. Descriptive analyses and regression models will be used to determine the relationship between cannabis use and Internet use. Phase 2 (n = 45) will be a descriptive qualitative study in the form of semi-structured interviews aimed at better understanding the experience and background of cannabis users with probable problematic Internet use.

DISCUSSION

The results of this study will support the development of public policies and interventions for the targeted population, by formulating courses of action that contribute to the prevention and reduction of harms associated with cannabis use and problematic Internet use. Furthermore, an integrated knowledge mobilization plan will aid in the large-scale dissemination of information that can result useful to decision-makers, practitioners, members of the scientific community, and the general population regarding the use of cannabis and the Internet.

Unlocking the potential: Exploring the opportunities for occupational therapists in cyberpsychology

It has long been established that occupational therapists (OTs) play an important role in assisting clients suffering from a variety of physical and mental health conditions. Cyberpsychology is a relatively new field in medicine that pertains to how technology influences people's mental health and behavior. It covers the effects of social media, online gaming, virtual-augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and other forms of technology on individuals. Among the known psychological phenomena arising from individuals' interactions with digital technologies are cyberbullying and technology addiction. This commentary explores how OTs in the cyberpsychology field can develop personalized interventions to enhance digital well-being and promote healthy technology use.

A descriptive pilot survey of behavioural addictions in an adolescent secondary school population in Ireland

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of possible internet addiction, gaming addiction, gambling addiction and associated mental health difficulties in a secondary school population in Ireland.

METHODS

An online survey containing questions related to internet addiction, gaming addiction, gambling addiction and associated mental health difficulties was administered to secondary school adolescents in Ireland. Participants were self-selecting and answered questions on the characteristics of each topic and screening questionnaires for addiction to each behaviour, as well as their respective effects on mental health.

RESULTS

A total of 234 children participated in the survey (156 males; aged 12-18 years; average age of 14.2 years; S.D. 1.60). Internet addiction as assessed using the Chen Internet Addiction Scale was present for between 11.5% and 22.6% and levels of gaming addiction as assessed using by the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form was present for between 0.5% and 1.6%. Weak positive correlations were found between time spent on the internet and time spent gaming with internet addiction and gaming addiction, respectively. There were weak positive correlations between higher internet addiction scores, higher gaming addiction scores, and increased depression and anxiety scores. Using the South Oaks Gambling Screen-Revised for Adolescents, two participants were classed as 'at-risk' for gambling addiction and one participant was classed as a problem gambler.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study examined behavioural addictions and their effects on mental health on a self-selecting sample of schoolchildren at two schools in Ireland. A low number were identified as being at risk or problem gamblers.

Digital Phenotypes for Early Detection of Internet Gaming Disorder in Adolescent Students: Explorative Data-Driven Study

BACKGROUND

Limited awareness, social stigma, and access to mental health professionals hinder early detection and intervention of internet gaming disorder (IGD), which has emerged as a significant concern among young individuals. Prevalence estimates vary between 0.7% and 15.6%, and its recognition in the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition underscores its impact on academic functioning, social isolation, and mental health challenges.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to uncover digital phenotypes for the early detection of IGD among adolescents in learning settings. By leveraging sensor data collected from student tablets, the overarching objective is to incorporate these digital indicators into daily school activities to establish these markers as a mental health screening tool, facilitating the early identification and intervention for IGD cases.

METHODS

A total of 168 voluntary participants were engaged, consisting of 85 students with IGD and 83 students without IGD. There were 53% (89/168) female and 47% (79/168) male individuals, all within the age range of 13-14 years. The individual students learned their Korean literature and mathematics lessons on their personal tablets, with sensor data being automatically collected. Multiple regression with bootstrapping and multivariate ANOVA were used, prioritizing interpretability over predictability, for cross-validation purposes.

RESULTS

A negative correlation between IGD Scale (IGDS) scores and learning outcomes emerged (r166=-0.15; P=.047), suggesting that higher IGDS scores were associated with lower learning outcomes. Multiple regression identified 5 key indicators linked to IGD, explaining 23% of the IGDS score variance: stroke acceleration (β=.33; P<.001), time interval between keys (β=-0.26; P=.01), word spacing (β=-0.25; P<.001), deletion (β=-0.24; P<.001), and horizontal length of strokes (β=-0.21; P=.02). Multivariate ANOVA cross-validated these findings, revealing significant differences in digital phenotypes between potential IGD and non-IGD groups. The average effect size, measured by Cohen d, across the indicators was 0.40, indicating a moderate effect. Notable distinctions included faster stroke acceleration (Cohen d=0.68; P=<.001), reduced word spacing (Cohen d=.57; P=<.001), decreased deletion behavior (Cohen d=0.33; P=.04), and longer horizontal strokes (Cohen d=0.34; P=.03) in students with potential IGD compared to their counterparts without IGD.

CONCLUSIONS

The aggregated findings show a negative correlation between IGD and learning performance, highlighting the effectiveness of digital markers in detecting IGD. This underscores the importance of digital phenotyping in advancing mental health care within educational settings. As schools adopt a 1-device-per-student framework, digital phenotyping emerges as a promising early detection method for IGD. This shift could transform clinical approaches from reactive to proactive measures.

Predictors of pathological gambling behaviours in parents population in Nigeria

The increasing incidence of psychological pains, burnout, and anxiety among gamblers in Nigeria is high. This is because pathological gambling (PG) is on the rise and it is linked to many social vices such as stealing, drug abuse, and sexual abuse. It is important to investigate the trajectories of PG in Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was employed in our study with 197 participants sampled from 28 gambling venues in Nigeria made up the study's sample size. Of the 197, 131 (66.5%) were males and 66 (33.5%) were females. 50 (25.4%) were within the age range of 20-30 years, 42 (21.3%) were within 31-40 years, 40 (20.3%) were within 41-50 years, 35 (17.8%) were within 51-60 years, and 30 (15.2%) were within 61 and above. Using the hierarchical regression analysis, our finding revealed a significant association between psychological distress and our respondents' pathological gambling behaviour whereas none of the sociodemographic variables made a significant contribution to their pathological gambling behaviour. We concluded that gamblers' psychological well-being is crucial to understanding their problematic gambling behaviours in the context of a developing nation such as Nigeria, and that this could be similar among our respondents. Implications of our findings were highlighted.

Dissociation of prepotent response inhibition and interference control in problematic internet use: evidence from the Go/No-Go and Flanker tasks

BACKGROUND

Problematic Internet Use (PIU), characterized by failures to control the overuse of internet, is associated with a range of functional impairments. However, there is limited research on the specific impact of PIU on inhibitory control functions, particularly in terms of differentiating between prepotent response inhibition and interference control. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to investigate these two components of inhibitory control in individuals with PIU.

METHODS

Thirty participants who met the PIU criteria and 30 control participants were included in the present study. All participants completed the Go/No-Go and Flanker tasks, in which internet-related images and words were used as task stimuli.

RESULTS

In the Go/No-Go task, all participants exhibited poorer performance in inhibiting internet-related stimuli compared to internet-unrelated stimuli, during the No-Go trials. In the Flanker task, results revealed a three-way interaction of Group, Stimulus type and Congruency. Specifically, in the incongruent condition, participants with PIU exhibited slower responses for internet-unrelated targets compared to internet-related targets, whereas no similar effect was observed among individuals with low internet use.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that difficulties in controlling the interference effect of internet-related information represent a key dysfunction in inhibitory control of PIU.

Depression, stress, and anxiety versus internet addiction in early and middle adolescent groups: the mediating roles of family and school environments

BACKGROUND

Family and school environment play a crucial role across the different developmental stages of adolescence. This paper investigates the potential mediating role of family and school environments in the relationship between the three psychosocial predictors of depression, anxiety, stress, and Internet addiction (IA). Specifically, it focuses on the two stages of early and middle adolescence.

METHODS

The study involved a survey of 407 adolescents from Qatar, comprising 250 early adolescents and 157 middle adolescents. Inclusion criteria for the study included adolescents between the ages of 10 to 17 years old, residents of Qatar and studying in a Qatar-based school. To assess the constructs of the three psychosocial predictors, IA, family environment, the study utilized the Depression, Stress, and Anxiety Scale (DASS), the Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire (IADQ), and the Brief Family Relationship Scale, respectively. School environment was measured using questions from the "Health Behavior in School-aged Children: WHO Collaborative Cross-National survey/study (HBSC) 2013-2014. The study applied standard mediation analysis between the DASS components and IA with family and school environment as the mediators.

RESULTS

Results from the mediation analysis reveal insights into the relationships between psychosocial predictors and IA. The findings indicate that family and school environments partially mediated the relationship with regards to depression, stress, and anxiety in early adolescents. In middle adolescents, family environment partially mediated the relationship with depression and stress and fully mediating the relationship with anxiety. Meanwhile, school environment only exhibited partial mediation in the relationship with anxiety in middle adolescence.

CONCLUSIONS

These results highlight the crucial role parents and schools play in addressing problematic technology usage that develops as a response to depression, anxiety, and stress among adolescents. Moreover, the study reveals nuances in the mediating role of family and school environment in early and middle adolescence. This highlights the evolving nature of these influences across the different stages of development. Notably, this study contributes to the literature by moving beyond the conventional focus on the so-called WEIRD population, and offering valuable insights from a region that is underrepresented in current research.

Social media addiction and depression and their predictors among university students

OBJECTIVES

Social media facilitate the interaction between individuals without regard to the distances between the users. Everybody who has access to internet can suffer from social media addiction. During COVID-19 pandemic there was an increase in social media usage among all population types and especially the university students, which would negatively affect their mental health. Therefore, this study aims at assessing social media addiction and depression among pharmacy students by using questionnaires specifically designed for this purpose.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study with convenience sampling was conducted from the start of November to the end of December 2021 among undergraduate pharmacy students in Mosul city, Iraq. An online questionnaire was adopted; it consisted of three parts, the first was for collecting socio-demographic and social media usage information, Social Media Addiction Questionnaire (SMAQ) was used in the second part to assess social media addiction of the participants, and the third part was comprised of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess depression among students.

RESULTS

Six hundred-three students completed the questionnaire and constituted the final study sample. Instagram was the most used social media program among the students. About 38 % of the students were at risk of becoming addicted on social media, with only 8.4 % of them being minimally or not depressed. Additionally, positive significant correlation was observed between social media addiction and depression. Using social media for more than 4 h and poor academic performance were found to be predictors for social media addiction and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Addiction to social media and depression are prevalent among pharmacy students in Iraq and the two are related to each other.

Network Analysis of Internet Addiction, Online Social Anxiety, Fear of Missing Out, and Interpersonal Sensitivity among Chinese University Students

Background

Despite the growing prevalence of internet usage among young people, the relationships between internet addiction, online social anxiety, fear of missing out (FoMO), and interpersonal sensitivity remain uncertain, intricate, and multifaceted. To gain insight into the underlying psychological mechanisms, we employed network analysis to explore the interconnections between them. This endeavor may provide fresh opportunities for intervention and treatment.

Methods

In this study, 470 participants were assessed at age from 18 to 22 (M = 20.18 years, SD = 1.861) years. Network analysis was used to examine the connections between symptoms, and statistical measures were applied to assess the stability of the network model.

Results

Online social anxiety and interpersonal sensitivity had the strongest associations with other symptoms in the network, with "Evaluation anxiety" having the highest expected influence centrality, followed by "Privacy concern anxiety," "Need for approval," "Suspicion," and "vulnerability." The FoMO symptom, "Fear of missing information," had the strongest direct relation to internet addiction. "Evaluation anxiety" and "Fear of missing information" played a key role in bridging internet addiction and interpersonal sensitivity. Additionally, the structure distribution of edge weights had a significant difference between gender.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that FoMO, interpersonal sensitivity, and online social anxiety likely play a significant role in the development and continuation of internet addiction. Interpersonal sensitivity seems to contribute to increased online social anxiety, FoMO, and the development of internet addiction, indicating that targeting these symptoms may help reduce negative online behavior and psychological burden.

The relationship between childhood trauma and internet addiction in adolescents: A meta-analysis

Objective

Many studies have explored the relationship between childhood trauma and internet addiction from different theoretical perspectives; however, the results have been inconsistent. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the relationship between childhood trauma and internet addiction.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP electronic databases were searched to identify studies examining the correlation between childhood trauma and adolescent internet addiction. The databases were searched from inception to December 31, 2022. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and evaluated the risk of bias of the included studies. Then, Stata 17.0 software was used to perform meta-analysis.

Results

This study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023388699). A total of 19 studies involving 21,398 adolescents were included in this meta-analysis. The random effects model was used for pooled analysis, and the results revealed a strong positive association between childhood trauma and internet addiction (r = 0.395, 95% CI [0.345, 0.442]). The relationship between childhood trauma and internet addiction was moderated by sample size, survey area, and internet addiction measurement tools. There were significant differences between the associations based on the various child trauma measurement tools and study quality scores. However, interstudy heterogeneity was not significantly affected by study year, sample source, or participant age.

Conclusion

Internet addiction is positively correlated with childhood trauma. Therefore, it is extremely important for parents to provide a good growth environment during childhood to enhance the physical and mental development of adolescents. A warm family atmosphere helps individuals develop a healthy personality, thereby reducing or preventing the occurrence of internet addiction. Due to the limited number and low quality of the included studies, the above conclusions need to be verified by additional high-quality studies.

Trait anxiety and corresponding neuromarkers predict internet addiction: A longitudinal study

Background and Aims

The high prevalence of internet addiction (IA) has become a worldwide problem that profoundly affects people's mental health and executive function. Empirical studies have suggested trait anxiety (TA) as one of the most robust predictors of addictive behaviors. The present study investigated the neural and socio-psychological mechanisms underlying the association between TA and IA.

Methods

Firstly, we tested the correlation between TA and IA. Then we investigated the longitudinal influence of TA on IA using a linear mixed effect (LME) model. Secondly, connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) was employed to explore neuromarkers of TA, and we tested whether the identified neuromarkers of TA can predict IA. Lastly, stressful life events and default mode network (DMN) were considered as mediating variables to explore the relationship between TA and IA.

Findings

A significant positive correlation between TA and IA was found and the high TA group demonstrated higher IA across time. CPM results revealed that the functional connectivity of cognitive control and emotion-regulation circuits and DMN were significantly correlated with TA. Furthermore, a significant association was found between the neuromarkers of TA and IA. Notably, the CPM results were all validated in an independent sample. The results of mediation demonstrated that stressful life events and correlated functional connectivity mediated the association between TA and IA.

Conclusions

Findings of the present study facilitate a deeper understanding of the neural and socio-psychological mechanisms linking TA and IA and provide new directions for developing neural and psychological interventions.

Internet and social media preferences of orthopaedic patients vary according to factors such as age and education levels

BACKGROUND

Patients can often access the internet and social media for health information but it is not clear how much they trust and use the information retrieved.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the social media and internet use rates and preferences of orthopaedic patients, to reveal to what extent they self-treat, and to probe the affecting factors.

METHODS

Two thousand fifty-eight patients admitted to an orthopaedic polyclinic were asked to fill out a survey (voluntarily) consisting of 15 items, to collect demographic data, preference for platforms and sources used, trusted sources, and the extent to which information obtained was used for self-care.

RESULTS

The most preferred and most trusted sources of information were Google and other search engines, and physicians' personal websites (p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

Variables such as age, gender, educational level and occupation affect the research preferences. Reliance on social media decreases with increasing educational levels (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Health information and knowledge services should work with health professionals to improve aspects of health literacy among orthopaedic patients.

Internet Addiction Management: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Interventions and Modalities

Internet addiction is a pervasive and complex issue that has gained increasing attention in the digital age. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth exploration of clinical interventions and modalities for managing internet addiction. It begins by examining the diagnostic criteria and assessment tools used to identify internet addiction, highlighting the diverse subtypes and varying degrees of severity. Subsequently, the review delves into various clinical interventions, including psychotherapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based interventions. Pharmacological interventions, technology-based tools, and integrative approaches are also thoroughly analyzed. The review also outlines various treatment settings and modalities such as inpatient treatment centers, outpatient clinics, telehealth, support groups, and prevention programs for schools and communities. Furthermore, it discusses the efficacy and challenges associated with managing internet addiction, emphasizing the need for effective interventions, relapse prevention, ethical considerations, and addressing stigma and access barriers. In conclusion, the review offers practical implications for clinical practice. It emphasizes future research's importance in refining diagnostic criteria, exploring emerging technologies, and adapting interventions to an ever-evolving digital landscape. This comprehensive review is a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers seeking to understand and address the complexities of internet addiction.

Glow up: does a professional photoshoot intervention affect self-esteem and emotions among adolescent psychiatric patients?-A longitudinal intervention study

Background

Today, online communication is shaped by a billion-dollar social media (SM) and social networking site (SNS) industry. Visual content consumed by children and adolescents has been shown to influence behavioral patterns, state emotions, and self-esteem (SE). In this study, we introduced a novel intervention creating visual content through a professional photoshoot and investigated its impact on state emotions and SE in child and adolescent psychiatric (CAP) patients.

Methods

Standardized and validated self-rating questionnaires were used to assess SE, state emotions, coping mechanisms, psychopathological symptoms, and internet use behavior at baseline. SE and state emotions were monitored at different time points around a professional photoshoot within 45 CAP patients (30 female patients; mean age, 15.1 years) using a longitudinal design.

Results

Within-subject repeated-measures ANOVA and bootstrapped paired-sample t-tests showed a significant fluctuation in state emotions and SE throughout the intervention. Spearman correlations and univariate logistic regressions revealed that internalizing symptomatology and maladaptive coping significantly worsened the outcome of the intervention on state emotions and SE in girls. Internet-related variables heightened the positive effect of the intervention in boys and lowered SE in girls during the intervention.

Conclusion

The photo intervention had various gender-specific effects. Boys did benefit from the intervention in terms of longitudinal outcome on positive state emotions (PE) and SE, even positively influenced by SNS and SM. Thus, it might be concluded that online social comparison was processed more beneficial in boys. In contrast, when working with visual content in girls, psychopathology and coping must be considered. Internet consumption in general, especially SM and SNS, was related to low SE in girls. Nevertheless, when therapeutically accompanied, the "glow up moment" during the shoot (high on PE and SE; low on negative state emotions) could be used as an index moment for therapeutic reflection.

Internet Gaming Disorder in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been related to an increased risk for behavioral addictions including online gaming. However, the relationship between these two conditions and Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is still debated. The aim of this study is to address this topic by exploring the prevalence of IGD in a consecutive sample of ASD youth and ADHD youth, compared with a normal control group, and by assessing selected psychopathological and neuropsychological features in ASD and ADHD patients with and without IGD. This study included 77 ASD patients (67 males, mean age 13.58 ± 2.75 years), 94 ADHD patients (79 males, mean age 11.46 ± 2.47 years), and 147 normal controls (NC) (mean age 13.9 ± 3.0 years, 114 males) that received structured measures for IGD (IAT, IGDS9-SF, and UADI). In the ADHD group, 72.34% of the sample were above the IGD cut-off, compared with 45.45% in the ASD group and 9.5% in the NC group. ASD patients with IGD presented with greater severity and more severe attention problems, with no difference in the ASD core symptoms between patients with and without IGD. In the comparison between the ASD and ADHD groups according to the presence of IGD, ASD patients with IGD were the most severe group according to the CGI (Clinical Global Impression) scale. The follow-up, conducted on 45 patients affected by ASD, showed an improvement in CGI and CGAS (Children's Global Assessment Scale) scores, but not in the IGD symptoms. These findings could place the diagnosis of ASD as a negative prognostic factor in the follow-up of aspects of video game addiction compared with ADHD.

Familial context influences media usage in 0- to 4-year old children

Background

The use of digital media (e.g., smartphones, tablets, etc.) and the Internet have become omnipresent for every age group and are part of children's and parents' everyday life. Focusing on young children, the availability of media devices, their use as well as associated problems (e.g., in social, emotional and motor development) have increased in recent years. Of particular interest for prevention of these problems in early childhood is the relationship between the familial context (parental digital media use, Problematic Internet Use, school graduation, presence of siblings) and the digital media use of infants and toddlers. The present study's goal was to describe media usage in 0-4-year-old children and to identify the potential relationship between familial context factors and child media usage.

Methods

The sample included N = 3,035 children aged 0 to 3;11 years (M = 17.37 months, SD = 13.68; 49.13% female). Recruitment took place within the framework of a restandardization study for a German developmental test. The parents of the participants answered a questionnaire on socio-demographics, on child media use, and on parental media use. Questions on parental media use included the full version of the Short Compulsive Internet Use Scale (S-CIUS).

Results

Significant increases in media usage times with child age were identified, but no significant gender differences. A multiple regression analysis revealed that increasing maternal total media usage time, a higher parental S-CIUS score, lower school leaving certificate of both mother and father, and increasing child's age led to higher child media usage time. Having siblings diminished young children's media usage in this study. Having more than one child and having children aged over a year was associated with a higher parental S-CIUS score.

Conclusion

Family factors such as maternal media use time, Problematic Internet Use and lower school graduation are significantly associated with young children's digital media use. Parents should be aware of their personal influence on their children's media use which might be due their role in terms of model learning.