Abstract
The Internet has become an essential tool for adolescents. It is part of their social integration within peers and supports their identity construction. The Internet can also become a source of addiction, especially when used as a coping strategy towards unpleasant life situations. Addiction to the Internet is often linked with an increase in the feeling of loneliness. The feeling of loneliness is an emotion present during adolescence. However, in excess, it can lead to suicidal ideation. Addiction to the Internet is also linked to an increased suicide risk. We questioned ourselves on the impact of the feeling of loneliness on the link between an excessive use of the Internet by adolescents and the risks of suicidal ideation. We attempted to find an answer to this question by performing a systematic review of the literature. We found no result matching our search criteria. We noted the absence of studies with regards to the interaction between the feeling of loneliness, addiction to the Internet and the risk of suicidal ideation amongst adolescents. We established a theoretical model which could be used as a lead for future research. We insist on the importance that studies need to be conducted in this domain, in order to enable us to establish efficient preventive measures for the risks of suicidal ideation amongst adolescents.
Highlights
IntroductionAdolescents are confronted with physical transformation as well as the emergence of sexuality
Adolescents are the part of the population with the highest prevalence of internet use
Adolescents are the part of the population that is most exposed to these changes, which directly impact the entire process of adolescence
Summary
Adolescents are confronted with physical transformation as well as the emergence of sexuality. They must appropriate their new body, face new impulses, all while developing their identity as adults in the making [1]. These processes can only happen by distancing themselves from the parenthood images, enabling adolescents to construct a different identity from their parents [1,2]. Adolescents weakened by their constructing self-reflection will seek landmarks and support from peers. Adolescents are marked by the need to belong to a group of peers offering identification models, which they rely on to build their identity, all while developing their singularity [1]
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