Adolescent Internet Use Research Articles

Internet addiction: the Czech and Slovak adolescent population

BackgroundAdolescence is often seen as an important period for further personality development. In today's world, it is therefore important to keep track of current trends in adolescents. One of them is addictive behaviour in the context of the online environment. Spending too much time online can have a negative impact on the quality of life of adolescents. It is therefore important to pay increased attention to this phenomenon and to respond adequately to the current situation.MethodsOur study focuses on the prevalence of Internet addiction among Czech and Slovak adolescents. In total, 3,741 respondents participated in the project (N = 2,642 CZ; N = 1,099 SK); their ages ranged from 11 to 19 years (M = 14.38; SD ± 2.27). The research addressed differences among individual types of schools and between sexes in relation to Internet addiction. The research focused on adolescents attending secondary schools (ISCED 2 and 3) between the ages of 11 and 19 in the Czech and Slovak Republics. A questionnaire battery consisting of a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) questionnaire was used for data collection.ResultsIn relation to the category of Internet use, girls did not score higher than boys either in the Czech group F(1, 2112) = .089, p = .765, or in the Slovak group F(1, 927) < .001 p = .994. There is a significant effect of school type both in the Czech group F(4, 2100) = 11.483, p < .001, and in the Slovak group F(4, 859) = 2.859, p = .023.ConclusionsOur research indicates that some adolescents, particularly boys, face issues with excessive Internet use, affecting social interactions. Further studies in the Czech Republic could explore the link between psychosocial factors and adolescent Internet use. This highlights the need to raise awareness among professionals about Internet addiction in Czech and Slovak adolescents.

Loneliness and Problematic Internet Use in Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Dissociation

Background/Objectives. Problematic Internet uUse (PIU) is a multifaceted syndrome characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behaviors regarding Internet use leading to significant impairments in daily life and mental health. Previous research has separately related PIU to loneliness and dissociation, both in adults and adolescents. The aim of the present study is to analyze the mutual relationship between PIU, loneliness, and dissociation in an adolescent sample, in particular evaluating the indirect effect of dissociation on the relationship between loneliness and PIU. Methods. A cross-sectional design was used with 243 Italian high school students (69.1% females), from year 9 to 13 (age: M = 17.1, SD = 1.4 years), who participated in the study from January to June 2020. They completed measures of PIU (Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale-2), loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale), and dissociation (Adolescent Dissociative Experiences Scale). Socio-demographic and contextual variables were also collected (i.e., age, gender, type of school, school year, sport practice, hobby engagement, assessment before/during the COVID-19 pandemic). Data were analyzed using regression, Pearson’s correlation, and mediation analysis. Results. Severe PIU was observed in 8.6% of the sample. None of the socio-demographic and contextual variables had a significant effect on PIU. Positive medium-sized correlations were observed between PIU, loneliness, and dissociation. Mediation analyses showed an indirect effect of loneliness on PIU through dissociation. Conclusions. Feelings of loneliness may significantly exacerbate adolescents’ PIU by increasing their dissociative tendency. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for developing targeted interventions to address both loneliness and dissociation in efforts to mitigate PIU among adolescents.

Mediating attentional control between depression and problematic Internet use in female adolescents: the role of attentional focusing and shifting.

Female adolescents are more prone to depression compared with male adolescents, and depression is often associated with poor attentional control and problematic internet use (PIU). Attentional control includes both focusing and shifting functions. Focusing refers to the ability to direct attention to a task despite distractions. Shifting refers to the ability to flexibly switch attention between different tasks. This study examines the mediating role of attentional focusing and shifting between depression and PIU. Female high school and college students (n = 476) in Taiwan participated in a survey administered at three time points over a seven-month period. The single- and two- mediator models examined their joint mediation effects. The results showed that the direct effect of depression on PIU was significant. The indirect effects also showed that attentional focusing was a negative partial mediator in the relationship between depression and PIU, while attentional shifting was not one. Informed by attentional theory and digital emotion regulation, addressing depression to mitigate its negative impact on attentional control and negative emotions is crucial. The potential impact, whether harmful or beneficial, of adolescents carefully selecting their online activities to reduce the risk of PIU remains contentious. Given the focus on Taiwanese adolescent girls during the COVID-19 pandemic, further research is needed to extend the applicability of the theory to other periods without being affected by COVID-19.

PROBLEMATIC INTERNET USE AND SOCIAL ANXIETY IN LATE ADOLESCENTS SOCIAL MEDIA USERS IN BEKASI CITY

The phenomenon of problematic internet use is one of the phenomena that is rife in late adolescents. This is an important concern for many researchers, especially regarding excessive internet use, especially in accessing social media. This study aims to determine whether there is a relationship between problematic internet use and social anxiety in late adolescents who use social media in Bekasi City. This study involved 111 late adolescents in the city of Bekasi who actively used social media for 5 hours or more/day. This research is a quantitative research with a correlational type. The sampling technique uses a purposive sampling technique. Data analysis was performed with the correlation technique of Pearson Product Moment using the program SPSS versi 25 for windows. Based on the result of research data analysis the value of corellation coefficient between those two variables is 0,661** with significant degree amount is 0,000, This suggest that there is a a positive relationship between problematic internet use and social anxiety among adolescents. So it can be concluded that the higher the problematic internet use in adolescents, the higher the level of adolescent anxiety.

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.

Investigation of Withdrawal, Controlling Difficulty, Disorder in Functionality, and Social Isolation in Problematic Internet Use in Adolescents

Investigation of Withdrawal, Controlling Difficulty, Disorder in Functionality, and Social Isolation in Problematic Internet Use in Adolescents

Using machine learning algorithms and techniques for defining the impact of affective temperament types, content search and activities on the internet on the development of problematic internet use in adolescents' population.

By using algorithms and Machine Learning - ML techniques, the aim of this research was to determine the impact of the following factors on the development of Problematic Internet Use (PIU): sociodemographic factors, the intensity of using the Internet, different contents accessed on the Internet by adolescents, adolescents' online activities, life habits and different affective temperament types. Sample included 2,113 adolescents. The following instruments were used: questionnaire about: socio-demographic characteristics, intensity of the Internet use, content categories and online activities on the Internet; Facebook (FB) usage and life habits; The Internet Use Disorder Scale (IUDS). Based on their scores on the scale, subjects were divided into two groups - with or without PIU; Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego scale for adolescents (A-TEMPS-A). Various ML classification models on our data set were trained. Binary classification models were created (class-label attribute was PIU value). Models hyperparameters were optimized using grid search method and models were validated using k-fold cross-validation technique. Random forest was the model with the best overall results and the time spent on FB and the cyclothymic temperament were variables of highest importance for these model. We also applied the ML techniques Lasso and ElasticNet. The three most important variables for the development of PIU with both techniques were: cyclothymic temperament, the longer use of the Internet and the desire to use the Internet more than at present time. Group of variables having a protective effect (regarding the prevention of the development of PIU) was found with both techniques. The three most important were: achievement, search for contents related to art and culture and hyperthymic temperament. Next, 34 important variables that explain 0.76% of variance were detected using the genetic algorithms. Finally, the binary classification model (with or without PIU) with the best characteristics was trained using artificial neural network. Variables related to the temporal determinants of Internet usage, cyclothymic temperament, the desire for increased Internet usage, anxious and irritable temperament, on line gaming, pornography, and some variables related to FB usage consistently appear as important variables for the development of PIU.

Risk Factors Affecting Internet Use in Adolescents: A Literature Review

In today's time, people spend more time on the Internet for long hours due to the increasing number of exciting Internet applications and the convenience of life provided by such applications. Internet use can be at risk if its use is excessive and can cause dependence and addiction. Suppose internet users have experienced addiction or dependence. In that case, it can cause risk factors that are harmful to mental and physical health, poor school achievement, relationships with family/parents that are less harmonious, and excessive household income conditions. Therefore, it is essential to understand the risk factors arising from excessive internet use. So as to raise awareness about health issues currently affecting young people in vulnerable groups. The literature review of this article was obtained from the online databases Science Direct, SpringerLink, ProQuest, EBSCO, and Pubmed in the publication year 2015-2020. Evidence shows that most research articles explain a lot about the risk factors for someone experiencing excessive internet use due to mental health problems and relationship problems with family/parents that are negative. Risk factors that influence Internet use in adolescents have been described in many previous studies. However, little is known about how many risk factors influence internet use in teens. Therefore, this article will provide a number of critical gaps in the evidence base to be used as a source of information on the development of appropriate interventions and can provide a preventive strategy to reduce excessive Internet use in adolescents.

Sleep quality, PIU in adolescents with ADHD. Is there a relationship between sleep quality and problematic internet use in adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?

AbstractThis research aimed to compare the sleep quality and problematic internet use (PIU) of adolescents diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to the group of healthy control. There were 53 ADHD-diagnosed individuals (19 ADHD- combined type, 34 ADHD- inattentive type) in the research population, ages 12 to 18, and 53 healthy adolescents in the control group. A child psychiatrist applied the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) to each case, and sociodemographic information was collected. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) were also applied to all the cases. The Turgay DSM-IV-Based Disruptive Behaviour Disorders, Child and Adolescent Evaluation and Screening Scale (T-DSM-IV-S) was completed by the parents of all the adolescents. The ADHD group's IAT and PSQI total points were found to be statistically significantly higher than those of the healthy control group (p &lt; 0.001). The results of the covariance analysis showed a significant positive correlation between the T-DSM-IV-S subscales and the IAT mood points in the ADHD patients. The T-DSM-IV-S attention deficit points were found to be significantly higher in the ADHD children with PIU (independently of age and gender) compared to those without PIU. The results of the study showed that adolescents with ADHD had greater rates of poor sleep quality and PIU than the control group. The study results also suggested that the severity of the inattentive subtype of ADHD could play a potential role in the development of PIU in children diagnosed with ADHD. Based on this foundation, it is crucial to acknowledge and address poor sleep quality and PIU in adolescents with ADHD.

Adolescents' mental health, problematic internet use, and their parents' rules on internet use: A latent profile analysis

This study explored the connection between adolescent problematic internet use (PIU), mental health, and parents’ rules on internet use. From a person-centered approach, this study considered the coexistence of multiple mental health indicators for adolescents, including psychopathological risks (i.e., depressive symptoms, anxiety, and loneliness) and psychosocial well-being (i.e., social support, meaning, and competence). A latent profile analysis of 4592 U.S. adolescents revealed five distinct mental health profiles, with adolescents having psychopathological risks being most susceptible to PIU. Additionally, parents reported their rules on adolescent internet use. Strict parental rules on time increased PIU for adolescents of psychopathological risks, while restrictions on content viewed online reduced chances of PIU for these adolescents. These findings offer a deeper understanding of the complex mental health experiences of U.S. adolescents and underscore the significance of person-centered associations between mental health and PIU.

Cyber Victimization, Coping Methods, and Attitudes of the Family Toward Internet Use in Adolescents Applying to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department During the Pandemic

Cyber Victimization, Coping Methods, and Attitudes of the Family Toward Internet Use in Adolescents Applying to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department During the Pandemic

Social media addiction, escapism and coping strategies are associated with the problematic internet use of adolescents in Türkiye: a multi-center study.

The literature highlighted that problematic internet use can have detrimental consequences on individuals' well-being. Social media addiction, escapism and coping skills are closely related to problematic internet use. However, no study has currently examined the relationship between problematic internet use and social media use, escapism and coping skills. This multicenter cross-sectional designed study evaluated the relationships between problematic internet use and social media addiction, escapism, and coping skills in 508 adolescents (319 female) aged 14-18 years. In order to collect data, sociodemographic data form, Internet Addiction Scale, Social Media Addiction Scale, Escapism Scale and Kidcope Adolescent Version have been used. First, adolescents who scored ≥50 on the Internet Addiction Test were classified as the problematic internet use group; adolescents who scored <50 were classified as the control group. Then, the relationships between problematic internet use and social media addiction, escapism and coping skills were evaluated. The results showed that problematic internet use was associated with duration of social media use, impairment in social media-related functionality, preferring virtual life, and virtual pleasure, escapism, avoidant and negative coping strategies. These findings may provide an empirical basis for problematic internet use prevention and intervention in adolescence.

Internet Use and Effects on Mental Well-being During the Lockdown Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Younger Versus Older Adults: Observational Cross-Sectional Study.

Majority of individuals, including both younger and older adults, had to adapt to digital means to cope with lockdown measures and pandemic-induced lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. While internet accessibility was beneficial during the pandemic, existing literature suggests that excessive use could lead to the rise of problematic internet use in adolescents and younger adults. However, the effects on older adults remain unclear. This study aimed to examine differences in internet use during the lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and explore how age differences in mental health could be explained by time spent on the internet. A door-to-door survey of a nationally representative sample of 602 adults in Singapore was carried out using computer-assisted personal interviewing during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (October to November 2020). Participants were categorized into younger (21-59 years old) and older (60 years or above) age groups. We assessed self-reported measures of depression, anxiety, and stress; psychosocial adaptability; ability to perform essential activities; social support; health status; digital media use patterns, and time spent on the internet. Procedures complied with existing safe distancing measures. Older adults reported being less able to use digital platforms to meet needs and acquire information updates compared with younger adults during the lockdown period of the pandemic. Older adults spent significantly less time on the internet for both work and personal uses per day (mean 146.00 min, SD 9.18 min) compared with younger adults (mean 433.27 min, SD 14.32 min). Significant age differences in depression, anxiety, and stress were found, with younger adults showing poorer mental health. Mediation analysis showed that age differences in depression, anxiety, and stress were partially explained by time spent on the internet. These variables together explained 43%, 40%, and 40% of the variances in depression, anxiety, and stress scores, respectively. The findings showed that younger adults spent significantly more time on the internet compared with older adults during the lockdown phase of the pandemic. They were also ahead in their ability to use digital resources to meet needs and engage socially compared with older adults. Despite this, the mental health of younger adults was poor, and this was partially accounted for by the amount of time spent on the internet. Since past research suggests that excessive time spent on the internet could lead to disordered use, the benefits brought by digital technologies could have been attenuated during the lockdown phase of the pandemic. Considering this potential negative effect, it is imperative to educate both young and old adults in the appropriate use of information and communication technology.

The mediating role of trait mindfulness and dissociative experiences in the relationship between childhood emotional abuse and problematic internet use in Italian adolescents.

There is clear evidence linking trauma, mindfulness, dissociation and problematic internet use (PIU). Nonetheless, little is known about the role trait mindfulness and dissociative experiences may have in the relationship between childhood emotional abuse (CEA) and PIU, as well as the role that gender may have in such relationships. In the current research, self-report questionnaires on CEA, trait mindfulness, dissociative experiences and PIU were administered to 1074 Italian adolescents (50% females) aged 14-17 years old, to test whether trait mindfulness and dissociative experiences mediated the relationship between CEA and PIU, and whether the proposed mediation was invariant across genders. Furthermore, the main analyses were controlled for background variables. The findings highlighted significant associations between all direct and indirect paths and invariance of the mediation model across boys and girls. The results of this study highlight that emotionally abused boys and girls with high levels of dissociation and inadequate mindful skills may be more exposed to dysfunctional online activities. Hence, developing dissociation-focused and mindfulness-based interventions for emotionally abused adolescents may be clinically effective when building tailored approaches for the prevention and management of PIU. Further implications are discussed.

Relationships between internet addiction, quality of life and sleep problems: a structural equation modeling analysis

ObjectiveTo assess the relationship between internet addiction, quality of life, and sleep problems among adolescents. MethodThis research was conducted with a representative sample of 875 adolescents. This cross-sectional study used the Internet Addiction Test, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ version 4.0, Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale, and sleep duration. Sociodemographic factors were also analyzed. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate relationships between variables. ResultsAfter adjusting the model for covariances between the latent variables of daytime sleepiness and correlations between the physical and emotional domains of quality of life, the authors obtained satisfactory fit indices (RMSEA = 0.031, CFI = 0.926, TLI = 0.909, SRMR = 0.058). Internet addiction was positively associated with daytime sleepiness (rho = 0.549, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with quality of life (rho = −0.173, p < 0.001). By contrast, sleep duration was negatively associated with daytime sleepiness (rho = −0.089, p = 0.007), positively associated with quality of life (rho = 0.105, p = 0.014), and dependent on school shift (rho = 0.453, p < 0.001). ConclusionsAdolescents with higher levels of internet addiction had lower perceptions of quality of life and higher daytime sleepiness. Moreover, sleep duration had a positive correlation with quality of life. Given its detrimental effects on quality of life and daytime sleepiness, parents should better supervise internet use in adolescents.

Relationship of Risky Internet Use with Parental Depression and Anxiety in a Sample of Turkish Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Parental mental health has a significant impact on adolescent well-being, including their engagement in problematic behaviors such as risky internet use. However, limited research has examined the association between parental mental health and risky internet use (RIU) in adolescents, particularly those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). To address this gap, this study investigated the relations between parental depression and anxiety symptoms and RIU in adolescents with ADHD. A sample of 100 participants (mean age = 13.6 years; 27% female) diagnosed with ADHD was included. Parental depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression and Beck Anxiety Inventories, while adolescents' RIU was measured using Young's Internet Addiction Scale. Participants with scores exceeding 50 on the scale were classified as having RIU. After controlling for adolescent gender, parental education levels, and income, the results revealed that both parental depressive (β = 0.09) and anxiety symptoms (β = 0.06) significantly predicted an elevated risk of RIU in adolescents with ADHD. These findings highlight the substantial role of parental depression and anxiety as risk factors for RIU in this population. Understanding these associations can inform the development of targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of parental mental health on adolescent RIU and promote better outcomes for individuals with ADHD.

Hubungan Internet Parenting terhadap Perilaku Cybersex pada Remaja

This study aims to look at the relationship between internet parenting and cybersex behavior in adolescents. This study used a correlational quantitative approach involving 270 adolescents with an age range of 15-19 years selected through snowball sampling technique. Data analysis using product-moment correlation analysis which produces a correlation coefficient hypothesis of -0.211, p=0.000 (p &lt; 0.05) indicates that there is a negative relationship between internet parenting and cybersex behavior in adolescents, where the higher the internet parenting, the lower the cybersex in adolescents, and the lower the internet parenting, the higher the cybersex in adolescents. One way that can be done to reduce cybersex behavior is to increase internet parenting towards internet use in adolescents.

Comparing parenting styles: their influence on adolescent’s internet addiction

Excessive internet use in adolescents can lead to addiction, with parental parenting styles playing a pivotal role. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between parents' parenting style and adolescent internet addiction. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 290 participants using convenience sampling. Two instruments, the Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ) and Internet Addiction Test (IAT), were employed for data collection. Statistical analysis, using the Spearman correlation test (p &lt; 0.05), was performed. Findings revealed a significant relationship (p &lt; 0.001, r = 0.253) between an authoritarian paternal parenting style and adolescent internet addiction. A permissive maternal parenting style also exhibited a significant link (p &lt; 0.001, r = 0.319) with internet addiction. This study highlights a clear association between parenting styles and adolescent internet addiction. Parents should balance granting freedom for responsible internet use with setting boundaries, engage in open dialogues, and issue warnings when excessive online time is detected to effectively address this issue.

Longitudinal relationship between internet self-control and problematic internet use among Chinese adolescents: mediating role of meaning in life.

While studies indicate that high self-control may serve as a safeguard against problematic internet use, there's evidence suggesting that problematic internet use can, in turn, diminish self-control. This study aimed to elucidate the longitudinal interplay between internet self-control and problematic internet use in adolescents, employing cross-lagged panel modeling. Furthermore, drawing from a positive psychology perspective, we examined the potential role of 'meaning in life' as a protective mediator within this longitudinal relationship. We then constructed a mediation model to explore protective factors against problematic internet use. Through a questionnaire, we tracked 659 adolescents (331 males and 328 females; mean age=13.61) in a longitudinal design across two time points, spaced at five-month intervals, to assess their internet self-control, problematic internet use, and meaning in life. Results of the cross-lagged panel models showed that: Internet self-control had a significant negative impact on problematic internet use after five months (β = -0.094, p < 0.01). Conversely, problematic internet use had a significant negative impact on internet self-control after five months (β = -0.099, p < 0.05). Results from the longitudinal mediation model showed that: Meaning in life mediated the effect of internet self-control on problematic internet use after five months (βinternet self-control(T1)-meaning in life(T2) = 0.142, p < 0.01; βmeaning in life(T1)-problematic internet use (T2) = -0.075, p < 0.05). Our study uncovers a reciprocal predictive relationship between internet self-control and problematic internet use, while highlighting the mediating role of meaning in life within this relationship. These findings suggest that fostering internet self-control and cultivating a sense of meaning in life among adolescents can serve as effective prevention and intervention strategies for addressing the issue of problematic internet use.

Enhancing academic self-efficacy on decreasing adolescents’ unmonitored internet usage and depressive mood

Unmonitored internet use and depression are difficulties that adolescents experience. Efforts to promote healthy adolescent development tend to focus on reducing these two risk outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine how three important school-related factors (teachers, peers, and academics) affect adolescents' levels of unmonitored internet use and depression. For this study, a cross-sectional data analysis was conducted. The sample included 9297 students who participated in two waves of the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed using LISREL 8.80 to analyze the data. Monte Carlo resampling was then performed using R to confirm the significance of the mediating effects. Teacher criticism and negative peers can increase unmonitored internet use and depression in adolescents, while academic stress can exacerbate depression. In contrast, teacher praise and positive peers can reduce those risk outcomes. Academic self-efficacy serves as a key mediator of the impacts of teachers, peers, and academics on adolescents' levels of unmonitored internet use and depression. We advocate that schools should establish a positive school climate, provide teacher feedback training and design physical activity programs to improve academic self-efficacy, thereby reducing the risk of unmonitored internet use and depression among adolescents, effectively preventing possible subsequent internet addiction and promoting the mental health of adolescents.