Abstract
Background and aimThe Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has required drastic safety precautions to contain virus spread, involving a protracted self-isolation period. Those with greater perceived or actual life stress are vulnerable to develop problematic internet behaviors. Thus, we assessed how COVID-19 social isolation affected online gaming (OG) and pornography viewing (PV) in the general population. MethodsWe developed an online cross-sectional survey, Habit Tracker (HabiT), completed by 1,344 adults (≥18 years). HabiT was released internationally with individuals from 80 countries participating; a majority residing in the United States and United Kingdom. We measured changes in OG (IGDS9-SF) and PV (CYPAT) behaviors before and during the COVID-19 quarantine period. We also assessed psychiatric factors such as anxiety, depression (HADS), and impulsivity (SUPPS-P). The primary outcome measures were change in amount of, and current OG and PV severity during quarantine. These measures were related to ten COVID-19-related stress factors. ResultsOverall, we observed a large increase in OG and a minor increase in PV. Those who increased OG (63%) and PV (43%) during quarantine were younger individuals, males, those who left the quarantine household infrequently, those who reported low frequency or poor quality social interactions, and those with higher depression, anxiety, and urgency impulsivity. DiscussionOur findings highlight similarities between forms of problematic internet behaviors driven by stress, depression, anxiety; while highlighting distinct avenues which these behaviors can manifest. ConclusionWe emphasize the relevance of identifying those in need of emotional regulation interventions, to mitigate problematic internet behaviors in the context of COVID-19 isolation.
Highlights
IntroductionThe restrictiveness of these precautions have varied widely at the country level, many countries, including the United States and United Kingdom, imposed a protracted period of self-isolation whereby individuals were neither authorized to leave their residencies unless to acquire amenities or engage in essential work, nor permitted direct contact with others beyond their immediate households
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has required drastic safety precautions to contain virus spread
We demonstrate a large increase in weekly amount of online gaming (OG) and a minor increase in weekly amount of pornography viewing (PV) from pre- to quarantine periods
Summary
The restrictiveness of these precautions have varied widely at the country level, many countries, including the United States and United Kingdom, imposed a protracted period of self-isolation whereby individuals were neither authorized to leave their residencies unless to acquire amenities or engage in essential work, nor permitted direct contact with others beyond their immediate households Due to these restrictions, many individuals have relied on internet use for education, work, social communication, and entertainment. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has required drastic safety precautions to contain virus spread, involving a protracted self-isolation period Those with greater perceived or actual life stress are vulnerable to develop problematic internet behaviors. Conclusion: We emphasize the relevance of identifying those in need of emotional regulation interventions, to mitigate problematic internet behaviors in the context of COVID-19 isolation
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