Compulsive Internet Use Research Articles

Physical Activity as a Predictor of Internet Gaming Disorder in a Swiss Male Cohort (C-SURF): L'activité physique comme prédicteur des troubles liés aux jeux vidéo en ligne dans une cohorte de jeunes hommes suisses (C-SURF).

This study addresses the increasing global concerns surrounding Internet gaming disorder (IGD) by exploring their connection to physical activity (PA) as a potential preventive and early intervention measure. The research aims to examine the relationship between PA and the progression of IGD. Longitudinal data from the Cohort research on Substance Use Risk Factors involving young Swiss men undergoing army conscription was employed. PA levels were assessed using the International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ), while the Game Addiction Scale (GAS) and Compulsive Internet Use Scale determined IGD presence. Analysis involved zero-inflated negative binomial regression models. Higher PA levels were associated with lower IGD risk. Notably, individuals engaging in high physical exercise exhibited a lower IGD prevalence compared to those with moderate or low activity levels. The study suggests that intensive physical exercise might serve as a preventive strategy against developing IGD. This protective effect could stem from various mechanisms. However, the study's limitations, such as a male-only sample and a small low-activity group, should be considered when interpreting results. The longitudinal study demonstrates the positive influence of intense physical exercise on mitigating gaming-related issues. These findings underscore the potential of PA interventions in addressing the growing problem of IGDs and their impact on health. Further research is necessary to uncover underlying mechanisms behind the PA-IGD relationship and validate these findings across diverse demographics.

Parental psychological control and adolescents’ cyberbullying: the mediator role of compulsive internet use and rule-breaking for females and males

Parental psychological control and adolescents’ cyberbullying: the mediator role of compulsive internet use and rule-breaking for females and males

Cybercrime target exposure, suitability, personality, and victimization: A longitudinal approach

This study utilizes the routine activity theory as a framework to examine if workplace social media usage, compulsive internet use, online aggression and personality traits are related to an elevated risk of cybervictimization. We leveraged 7-wave longitudinal survey data from the Finnish working population (N = 650) and employed multilevel, mixed-effects logistic regression to analyze fixed effects of in-between variables. Our findings reveal that target exposure, suitability and the personality trait of openness had a positive relationship with cybervictimization. We observed fluctuations in cybervictimization across the observation points, although the temporal pattern did not follow a linear trajectory. The results underscore the importance of longitudinal studies on victimization and advocate additional research on cybervictimization within the working population. This study also emphasizes the need for the integration of established theories to augment our comprehension of the fundamental factors influencing cybervictimization.

Emotional and Behavioural Problems in Spanish University Students: Association with Lifestyle Habits and Mental Well-Being.

Emotional health represents a significant burden on the mental health of university students. Adapting to a new learning environment and facing increased academic pressure make this period particularly vulnerable for their emotional health and well-being. The objective of the study was to analyse the prevalence of emotional and behavioural problems in university students and their association with lifestyle habits, and mental and physical health indicators. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 1268 students (23.65 ± 7.84 years) from a university in northern Spain during November 2020 and March 2021. An online questionnaire was administered, comprising the self-report Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire, the Trait Meta-Mood Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, the SENTIA-Brief Scale, the KIDMED questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and the Compulsive Internet Use Scale. 27.60% of students exhibited some form of emotional and behavioural problem. Students who did not present emotional and behavioural problems showed lower perceived stress, reduced suicidal behaviour and emotional intelligence deficits, as well as lower alcohol consumption and compulsive internet use (p < 0.001). Additionally, they reported higher engagement in physical activity and greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p < 0.001). The study shows that emotional and behavioural problems are recurring among university students, and given that modifiable psychosocial and lifestyle factors are associated with these issues, it underscores the need to develop multidisciplinary intervention strategies.

Examining the interplay between physical activity, problematic internet use and the negative emotional state of depression, anxiety and stress: insights from a moderated mediation path model in university students

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Problematic Internet Use (PIU), emotional states of stress, anxiety and depression, and the practice of physical activity among Tunisian students.MethodsCross-sectional data were collected from 976 university students aged 20.76 ± 1.63 years (46.8% female). They filled out an online survey comprised of a socio-demographic questionnaire, the depression, anxiety and stress scale– 21 items (DASS-21), the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) and the compulsive internet use scale (CIUS). Students were divided, based on their economic levels, into three groups: low (n = 256, 26.23%), medium (n = 523, 53.59%) and high (n = 197, 20.18%).ResultsMediation analysis: Indirect effects of IPAQ and gender on DASS-21 were highlighted: β= -0.18 (p < 0.01) and β= -0.04, P < 0.01) respectively. In addition, a significant and negative effect of IPAQ on CIUS was demonstrated (β = -0.45, P < 0.01). In addition, the effect of CIUS on DASS-21 was significant (β = 0.39, P < 0.01). Also, the effect of gender on CIUS was significant (β=-0.10, P < 0.01) However, its effect on DASS-21 was not significant (β = 0.05, p = 0.078). The total effect of IPAQ on DASS21 was significant (β= -0.52, p < 0.01) but the effect of Gender on DASS-21 was not significant (β = 0.01, p = 0.817). Moderation analysis: the results showed a significant moderation effect of the interaction between IPAQ and Gender on CIUS (β = 0.07, p < 0.01). However, it was not significant between Gender and CIUS on DASS-21 (β = 0.09, p = 0.390) and between IPAQ and Gender on DASS21 (β = 0.01, p = 0.736) Also, the interaction between IPAQ and CIUS did not have a significant moderation effect on DASS-21 (β = 0.15, p = 0.115).ConclusionsFindings suggest that relationships between PIU and negative emotional state of depression, anxiety and stress are mediated via physical exercise. These results underscore the importance of the physical activity factor in the studies analyzing longitudinal effects of PIU on mental health outcomes.

Association of Problematic Internet Use With Psychotic Experiences and Depression in Adolescents: A Cohort Study.

Problematic internet use (PIU) is prevalent among adolescents. Past research suggested cross-sectional associations between PIU and psychotic experiences, but little information is available on the longitudinal association. We hypothesized that PIU in adolescence may be longitudinally associated with psychotic experiences, adjusting for confounders. We analyzed a random sample of adolescents in the Tokyo Teen Cohort to examine how PIU at ages 10 (2012-2015), 12 (2014-2017), and 16 (2019-2021) was associated with mental health issues at age 16. PIU was evaluated by the modified Compulsive Internet Use Scale, psychotic experiences by the Adolescent Psychotic-like Symptom Screener, and depression by the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire. We also examined the mediating role of social withdrawal. We analyzed 3171 adolescents; 151 reported psychotic experiences and 327 reported depression at age 16. Compared with the lowest tertile PIU group, the highest tertile PIU group at age 12 showed an increased adjusted risk of psychotic experiences (RD 3.3%, 95% CI 2.9%-3.7%; RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.55-1.73) and depression (RD 5.9%, 95% CI 5.5%-6.3%; RR 1.61, 95% CI 1.55-1.68) at age 16. PIU at age 16 showed analogous results, while PIU at age 10 suggested a smaller impact. Social withdrawal mediated 9.4%-29.0% of the association between PIU and psychotic experiences. PIU is longitudinally associated with psychotic experiences and depression in adolescents. Further longitudinal and intervention studies are warranted to provide robust public health implications and foster a safer digital future.

Psychometric Validation of the Compulsive Internet Use Scale in Spanish Adolescents.

Despite problematic internet use being especially high among adolescents, there are no screening instruments in Spain specifically for adolescents that would facilitate early detection of this problem. The main goal of this study was to validate the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) in the adolescent Spanish population as well as to analyze the discriminative capacity of CIUS based on sociodemographic characteristics, grade point average, and other addictive behaviors. Data were obtained from the ESTUDES, a representative survey of addictive behaviors of Spanish adolescents. The sample consisted of a total of 34,308 adolescents aged between 14 and 18 years old (Mage = 15.70; SD = 1.19; 51.7% females). Results indicated that the CIUS fit a unidimensional structure, exhibited measurement invariance with respect to sex and age, and demonstrated excellent reliability (ω = .94). Past-month tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use, as well as past-year gambling and gaming, were related to CIUS scores. A standardized screening instrument that provides valid, reliable information on young people's use of the Internet in Spain is a critical requirement for successful early detection and intervention in this population.

Prevalence of phubbing behaviour in school and university students in Spain.

This study examined the prevalence of phubbing behavior among school and university students in Spain and analyzed the correlation of phubbing with other indicators of psychological well-being and mental health. The study sample comprised a total of 1,351 school and university students, with ages ranging from 12 to 21 years. The study used the Phubbing Scale (PS), the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), and the Interpersonal Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (IERQ) for data collection. The results showed evidence of phubbing among approximately half of the students. Statistically significant differences were found based on gender and educational level in the Phone Obsession subscale and the PS total score, with male students and university students scoring higher in their respective parameters. In addition, phubbing was positively correlated with problematic internet use and negatively correlated with self-esteem. Phubbing behavior is highly prevalent among adolescents aged 12-21 years and is positively correlated with low self-esteem and problematic internet use. Developing strategies for addressing this widespread issue at early ages, particularly within the educational context, such as schools, is crucial for implementing preventive measures. The inappropriate use of technological devices, including smartphones, in schools has the potential to negatively affect students' well-being and ability to adapt to school.

Predictors of compulsive cyberporn use: A machine learning analysis

IntroductionCompulsive cyberporn use (CCU) has previously been reported among people who use cyberporn. However, most of the previous studies included convenience samples of students or samples of the general adult population. Research examining the factors that predict or are associated with CCU are still scarce.In this study, we aimed to (a) assess compulsive cyberporn consumption in a broad sample of people who had used cyberporn and (b) determine, among a diverse range of predictor variables, which are most important in CCU scores, as assessed with the eight-item Compulsive Internet Use Scale adapted for cyberporn. Materials and MethodsOverall, 1584 adult English speakers (age: 18–75 years, M = 33.18; sex: 63.1 % male, 35.2 % female, 1.7 % nonbinary) who used cyberporn during the last 6 months responded to an online questionnaire that assessed sociodemographic, sexual, psychological, and psychosocial variables. Their responses were subjected to correlation analysis, analysis of variance, and machine learning analysis. ResultsAmong the participants, 21.96% (in the higher quartile) presented CCU symptoms in accordance with their CCU scores. The five most important predictors of CCU scores were related to the users’ strength of craving for pornography experiences, suppression of negative emotions porn use motive, frequency of cyberporn use over the past year, acceptance of rape myths, and anxious attachment style. ConclusionsFrom a large and diverse pool of variables, we determined the most important predictors of CCU scores. The findings contribute to a better understanding of problematic pornography use and could enrich compulsive cyberporn treatment and prevention.

Cracking the code: unveiling the nexus between atopic dermatitis and addictive behavior: a cross-sectional exploration of risk factors

Atopic dermatitis (AD) stands as a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disorder with a global reach. Beyond its cutaneous manifestations, AD is accompanied by comorbidities and psychological issues, significantly compromising the overall quality of life for individuals who suffer from AD. Previous research has evidenced a heightened prevalence of addictive disorders among dermatological patients when compared to the general population. Considering these findings, this study endeavors to examine the prevalence of addictive disorders among AD patients and, furthermore, to discern potential risk factors associated with this comorbidity. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted involving patients with AD diagnosed by dermatologists within a large university hospital in Munich, South Germany, between January 2016 and December 2019. Patients received an anonymous paper-based questionnaire comprising standardized and reliable assessment tools concerning disease severity, quality of life, sexual dysfunction, well-being, and anxiety disorder as well as screening tools for various addictive disorders (compulsive internet use, drug abuse, pathological alcohol consumption, and smoking). Data were analyzed descriptively, and a multivariate logistic regression model was conducted. A total of 208 patients participated in the study, comprising 38% males and 62% females with a mean age of 44.8 ± standard deviation:17.9 years. Females showed a higher mean POEM (Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure) score compared to males (female 14.6 ± 7.8; male 12.5 ± 7.7), as well as a higher DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index) (female 8.5 ± 6; male 6.5 ± 6.5). Positive addictions were found in 14.9% for daily smoking, 15.4% for critical alcohol consumption, 16.8% for compulsive internet use, and 5.8% for drug abuse. Younger patients were more likely to be affected by one or multiple addictions than older patients. Patients with at least one addiction showed significantly impaired well-being and increased severe anxiety symptoms. Given the notable prevalence of addictive disorders among individuals with AD, it could be useful to implement systematic screening for such conditions as part of patient-centered care, especially focusing on young AD patients or those displaying concurrent indications of depression or anxiety.

Connectome-based predictive modeling of Internet addiction symptomatology.

Internet addiction symptomatology (IAS) is characterized by persistent and involuntary patterns of compulsive Internet use, leading to significant impairments in both physical and mental well-being. Here, a connectome-based predictive modeling approach was applied to decode IAS from whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity in healthy population. The findings showed that IAS could be predicted by the functional connectivity between prefrontal cortex with the cerebellum and limbic lobe and connections of the occipital lobe with the limbic lobe and insula lobe. The identified edges associated with IAS exhibit generalizability in predicting IAS within an independent sample. Furthermore, we found that the unique contributing network, which predicted IAS in contrast to the prediction networks of alcohol use disorder symptomatology (the range of symptoms and behaviors associated with alcohol use disorder), prominently comprised connections involving the occipital lobe and other lobes. The current data-driven approach provides the first evidence of the predictive brain features of IAS based on the organization of intrinsic brain networks, thus advancing our understanding of the neurobiological basis of Internet addiction disorder (IAD) susceptibility, and may have implications for the timely intervention of people potentially at risk of IAD.

Examining the interplay between internet use disorder tendencies and well-being in relation to sofalizing during the COVID-19 pandemic

AimsThe present study investigated the potential links between Internet Use Disorder tendencies, well-being and the impact of COVID-19 on Internet usage patterns. MethodA sample of 2498 participants filled out the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS; the cognitive facet of well-being) and the Sofalizing Scale which comprises the Online Displacement and Social Compensation dimensions. Participants were also asked to report the extent to which changes in Internet use occurred due to COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., reductions, no changes, increases). The present study comprised a survey study with cross-sectional character. ResultsThe statistical analyses demonstrated that the aforementioned variables were robustly associated with each other. In a first mediation model, the association between higher levels of Internet Use Disorder and reduced well-being was partially mediated by the two dimensions of the Sofalizing scale called Online Displacement and Social Compensation. The results of the second mediation model showed that the relationship between changes in Internet use due to COVID-19 pandemic and well-being was fully mediated by CIUS scores, suggesting that increased Internet use due to the COVID-19 pandemic increased levels of Internet Use Disorder tendencies, which in turn decreased levels of well-being. DiscussionThe findings are discussed in the context of human social needs in a time of crisis, where meeting people in-person was restricted.

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

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. 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). 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. 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.

Impact of Compulsive Internet Use on Cyberbullying and Mental Well-Being Among Emerging Adults.

Impact of Compulsive Internet Use on Cyberbullying and Mental Well-Being Among Emerging Adults.

Changes of Identity Recognition in the Internet Age and Its Impact

In modern digital era, the Internet has transformed the way individuals perceive and construct their identities. This essay delves into the profound impact of the Internet on identity formation and interpersonal relationships, focusing on its "strangeness". The essay uses a case study, explaining the phenomenon of online identity experimentation among Chinese college students. The concept of "strangeness" online challenges traditional relationship dynamics. It empowers them to forge novel virtual identities, transcending geographical and social boundaries. However, this newfound freedom also gives rise to challenges, as division between online and offline personas can lead to societal conflicts. A pivotal study on Chinese college students sheds light on the intricate relationship between online identity experimentation and self-identity. The research highlights the influence of online social tendencies and compulsive Internet use on this connection. In summary, the Internet is offering opportunities for self-discovery and connection while posing challenges related to authenticity and the "strangeness" of online interactions. This essay reminds people that as the internet continues to evolve, it shapes our identities and relationships, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach in this digital age.

Priešmokyklinio ir mokyklinio amžiaus vaikų probleminis interneto naudojimas: tėvų įsitraukimo, požiūrio į vaiko interneto naudojimą ir vaikų veiklų internete vaidmuo

The use of the Internet for communication, education, and entertainment has become an important part of the lives of all users, including teenagers and children. The role of parents is considered to be important to ensure children’s safe use of the Internet and to protect them from excessive involvement in online activities. The current study aimed to investigate the associations between problematic Internet use in children aged 6–14 years and their parents’ involvement in their children’s Internet use and parents’ attitudes towards their child’s Internet use. The sample consisted of 719 parents with children aged six to fourteen years (mean age 9.04 years, 55.2% of the sample were boys). Parents completed the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (Meerkerk et al., 2009) to assess their children’s problematic Internet use, and answered questions about their attitudes towards the impact of the Internet on their child’s health and relationships, their involvement in their child’s Internet use, their child’s online activities, and the time spent using screens. The data were collected as part of the research project „Long-term effects of screens on children’s physical and mental health“, in spring 2021. The results showed that children’s problematic Internet use (PIU) is related to children’s age, the total duration of screen use, online activities, and parents’ attitudes on the impact of the Internet on children’s health and relationships. In a sample of children aged 6–10 years, greater PIU was predicted by male gender, longer screen time, greater children’s involvement in online entertainment and social activities, and less favorable parental attitudes toward children’s health and relationships. Similarly, the same variables predicted PIU in 11–14-year-olds, except for social activities online. The relationships between the variables were also analyzed using structural equation modeling: models add to the results by indicating indirect associations between parental attitudes towards the Internet and children’s PIU in both age groups. In contrast, it is only in younger children that parental involvement indirectly predicts PIN.

Problematic Social Media Use and Lifestyle Behaviors in Adolescents: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study.

The use of social media by adolescents has increased considerably in the past decade. With this increase in social media use in our daily lives, there has been a rapidly expanding awareness of the potential unhealthy lifestyle-related health effects arising from excessive, maladaptive, or addictive social media use. This study aims to assess the association between adolescents' social media use and health-related behaviors. We used a cross-sectional research approach and analyzed data from 96,919 adolescents at high schools throughout the Netherlands. A structured 43-item questionnaire was used to gather data on sociodemographics, dietary and lifestyle factors, and the degree of social media use based on the Compulsive Internet Use Scale. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between problematic social media use (PSMU) and lifestyle behaviors while adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Of the 96,919 included adolescents, 7.4% (n=7022) were identified as at risk for PSMU. Furthermore, logistic regression results showed that adolescents who are at risk for PSMU were more likely to report alcohol consumption and smoking while simultaneously having significantly lower levels of health-promoting behavior such as healthy eating habits (eating fruits, vegetables, and breakfast regularly) and physical activity. This study confirms that adolescents at risk of PSMU were more likely to exhibit an unhealthy lifestyle. Being at risk for PSMU was a determinant of soft drug use, alcohol consumption, smoking, poor eating habits, and lower physical activity independent of the additional adjusted covariates including demographic variables and remaining lifestyle variables. Future research is needed to confirm this observation in an experimental setting.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Prevalence and Severity of Internet Addiction: Current and Future Public Health Challenges

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic altered the lifestyle of a substantial number of individuals who were compelled to undergo quarantine in their residences. Consequently, they relied heavily on the Internet for studying, online teaching, official meetings, communication, entertainment, conferences, and work. There is a possibility that the pandemic has led to a greater inclination towards internet addiction compared to both pre-pandemic and post-pandemic periods. Internet addiction is a behavioral disorder characterized by excessive and compulsive internet use that interferes with daily life activities. The prevalence of internet addiction has been a concern for several years, with an increasing number of people spending considerable amounts of time online. Several studies provide evidence that the occurrence of internet addiction varies significantly across countries and cultures, with certain regions demonstrating higher rates than others. This review reveals a substantial surge in the prevalence of internet addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most notable discovery is that internet addiction has undergone an almost threefold increase during the COVID-19 pandemic when compared to its occurrence in the previous decade. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria had the highest recorded prevalence rate of internet addiction, reaching 88.1%. In contrast, Turkey had the lowest observed rate of internet addiction at 4.8%. Accordingly, we stress the importance of enhancing our awareness to recognize internet addiction as a novel global syndrome arising from progressively complex public health and psychosocial circumstances.

Increased Digital Media Use in Preschool Children: Exploring the Links with Parental Stress and Their Problematic Media Use.

Intense or problematic media use behavior of parents could serve as a role model for their children's media use behavior. So far, knowledge is scarce about increased children's media use (ICMU) and its association with parental stress (PS) and problematic parental media use (PPMU). ICMU was examined using a modified set of the DSM-5 criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder. PS was assessed via the widely used Parenting Stress Index, and PPMU was assessed using the Short Compulsive Internet Use Scale. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the links between ICMU, PS, and PPMU. A mediation analysis was performed to examine if PPMU mediated the relationship between PS and ICMU. In sum, 809 parents (M = 36.89 years; SD = 4.87; 81.4% female) of preschool children (average age: 44.75 months, SD = 13.68) participated in the study. ICMU was statistically significantly related to higher age of the parent, greater PPMU, and higher PS. Furthermore, we found that the association between PS and ICMU was partially mediated by PPMU. The results indicate that more pronounced PS and PPMU are associated with ICMU, highlighting the necessity of considering these parental variables when developing early prevention strategies for preschool-age children.

Online Moral Disengagement: An Examination of the Relationships Between Electronic Communication, Cognitive Empathy, and Antisocial Behavior on the Internet.

A consequence of the proliferation of online communication is the concerning presence of antisocial behavior observed in virtual spaces. Research suggests the cognitive component of empathy is hindered by features of electronic communication which facilitates antisocial behaviors online. Investigations into how features of online communication inhibit cognitive empathy are lacking, and findings on moral disengagement and antisocial behavior have yet to be integrated with studies on cognitive empathy and electronic communication. The current study explores these relationships. One hundred and three undergraduate students completed several measures including the Online Moral Disengagement Scale, Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy, and Online Prosocial and Antisocial Behavior Scale. Results showed a positive correlation between compulsive internet use and online moral disengagement, as well as a negative correlation between cognitive empathy and moral disengagement online. It was hypothesized that online moral disengagement would mediate the relation between cognitive empathy and antisocial behavior online but this mediation was not supported. However, a moderated relationship was revealed between cognitive empathy and moral justification, by liberalism. This moderation can be explored further and built upon by future research to deepen our understanding of how political ideology relates to virtual behavior. Furthermore, the findings concerning components of empathy and moral disengagement, and their role within the perpetration of antisocial conduct online, can inform future research as well as interventions focused on fostering prosocial behavior online and curbing cyberaggression.