Level Of Problematic Internet Use Research Articles

Association between social media use and internet addiction among nursing and health technology students: Case study at the Higher Institute of Nursing and Health Technology of Oujda (ISPITSO)

Nowadays, the use of the Internet and social networks has become a widespread practice, seen as a means of meeting various needs necessary for adolescent development. However, excessive use can lead to serious problems such as Problematic Internet Use (PIU), which can adversely affect academic performance. To determine the association between the level of PIU among students at the Higher Institutes of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques of Oujda (HINPHTO) in Morocco and the average duration of internet use, number of social networks, and use of online games, a cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted among 558 students enrolled in the Bachelor’s degree course at the same institution. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire consisting of two parts: the first part focused on data regarding social media use, and the second included Young’s (1998) cyber addiction test. The average duration of Internet use was 5 hours and 21 minutes per day (SD=3 hours and 25 minutes). The level of internet addiction is significantly associated with the number of hours spent on the Internet, as well as the number of social networks and online games among nursing and health technology students. These results can serve as a basis for implementing preventive measures to protect nursing students from the potentially harmful effects of excessive Internet use, social networking, and online gaming.

Internet use time and subjective well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak: serial mediation of problematic internet use and self-esteem

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak is a threat to adolescents’ mental health and livelihoods, and lowers their subjective well-being (SWB). Expanding on previous literatures, this study examined whether internet use time was related to SWB and whether this relationship was mediated by problematic internet use (PIU) and self-esteem during the COVID-19 outbreak. In Taiwan, the COVID-19 epidemic broke out in February, 2020. During March 2 to 27, this study recruited a total of 1,060 adolescents from junior high schools by both stratified and cluster sampling, and administered a comprehensive investigation. The results displayed that SWB was significantly and negatively predicted by internet use time. PIU fully mediated the relationship. Moreover, PIU predicted a decrease of self-esteem, which played a full mediation role between PIU and SWB. The results provide evidence in explaining how increased internet use time is associated with a greater level of PIU, which relates to lower self-esteem, correlating with lower SWB in adolescents. This study can provide reference to mental health organizations and educational agencies to design appropriate SWB promotion programs for the junior high school population in terms of epidemic prevention.

Hubungan antara Shyness dengan Problematic Internet Use pada Siswa SMP

Problematic internet use is one of the phenomena that occurs related to internet use in junior high school students. The internet becomes an alternative for shyness individuals to satisfy and express their feelings, social and emotional needs, which are not expressed directly or offline. When internet use is uncontrolled and excessive, it will make individuals problematic. This study aims to determine the relationship between shyness and problematic internet use. The subjects of this study were junior high school students who used the internet excessively, consisting of 126 students, 38 male students (30.2%) and 88 female students (69.8%). This study used quantitative methods. The data obtained were analyzed using Pearson product moment correlation technique. The results showed that there is a significant relationship between shyness and problematic internet use with a correlation coefficient value of 0.744 and a significance value of 0.000. This value proves that there is a positive relationship between shyness and problematic internet use in junior high school students, the higher the level of shyness, the higher the level of problematic internet use experienced.

Problematic Internet Use in Early Adolescents: Gender and Loneliness Differences in a Latent Growth Model.

Based on the Cognitive-Behavioral model and the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution model, this study examined the developmental trajectory of problematic Internet use (PIU) in early adolescents and explored whether there were gender differences in the onset level and rate of development of this developmental trajectory, and tested whether developmental changes in loneliness could have an impact on the developmental trajectory of problematic Internet use. This longitudinal study collected data on PIU and loneliness from 296 early adolescents (Mage=11.65, SD=0.58) in four waves. The development of PIU in adolescents and the effects of gender and loneliness development on PIU development were examined using a latent growth model. The results revealed that individuals' PIU development showed a nonlinear latent growth model, with PIU significantly higher than 0 in grade 6 and its growth rate slowing down as PIU increased. Individuals' PIU at low starting levels developed more rapidly later. Boys had higher initial levels of PIU but their PIU developed and increased at the same rate as girls'. Both the initial value and slope of loneliness had a significant effect on the initial value and slope of boys' and girls' PIU. Interventions for PIU in early adolescents also need to consider loneliness at the same time, and intervention groups can focus on individuals with low initial levels of PIU, boys, and individuals with high levels of loneliness.

Problematic Internet Use in Emerging Adulthood

Abstract: Research has shown the importance of exploring variables associated with problematic Internet use (PIU) in emerging adulthood. In this scenario, grandiose and vulnerable narcissistic features might be differently associated with PIU. Similarly, environmental sensitivity encompasses heightened empathy, sensitivity to rejection, and problems in emotional regulation. However, the interplay of narcissism and environmental sensitivity associated with PIU has not yet been explored. In this scenario, in a sample of 319 emerging adults (female = 78%, Mage = 24.00, SD = 2.33), we explored the role of environmental sensitivity in the association between narcissistic features and PIU using general linear models that were compared via a total coefficient of determination (TCD) and Akaike information criterion (AIC). Data highlighted that one emerging adult out of four displayed at least a moderate level of PIU. Furthermore, results showed that only narcissistic vulnerability was associated with PIU. Also, findings suggest that higher sensitivity to environmental stimuli (positive or negative ones) strengthens the association between vulnerable narcissism and PIU. Our study sheds light on the complex and multidimensional nature of PIU, acknowledging the interaction between different personality traits linked to an increased sensitivity to the social world: environmental sensitivity, including the environmental and social cues, and narcissistic features, encompassing the fear of rejection and/or devaluation from others. By exploring these associations, this study highlights the need for more targeted interventions to address PIU, particularly for individuals with higher levels of self-sensitivity when navigating the interpersonal domain.

Problematic internet use and psychological distress among student nurses: The mediating role of coping skills

Problematic internet use has become a growing concern among student nurses, posing potential risks to their well-being and academic performance. Yet, the extent to which coping skills can help alleviate the adverse effects of problematic internet use on the psychological well-being of student nurses remains largely understudied. This study examined the mediating role of coping skills in the relationship between problematic internet use and psychological distress among student nurses. This cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from 279 student nurses enrolled in a public-funded nursing school. Mediation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS Macro with Model 4. Findings showed that student nurses reported moderate levels of problematic internet use with a mean score of 2.233 (SD = 0.765). Several factors strongly predicted problematic internet, including being on the 3rd year of education (β = −0.261, p < 0.001), having an average academic performance (β = 0.184, p = 0.006), and using the internet for <3 h per day (β = −0.304, p < 0.001). Problematic internet use was significantly associated with increased psychological distress (β = 0.1791, p < 0.01). Coping skills were found to mediate the relationship between problematic internet use and psychological distress (β = 0.0160, SE = 0.0095). Overall, this study sheds light on the determinants of problematic internet use among student nurses and its negative impact on psychological well-being. By addressing problematic internet use and promoting healthy coping mechanisms, nursing education can better prepare student nurses to maintain their well-being and academic performance in the digital age.

The Relationships between Compulsive Internet Use, Alexithymia, and Dissociation: Gender Differences among Italian Adolescents.

Internet Gaming Disorder, Internet Addiction, Problematic Internet Use and Compulsive Internet Use cause distress and significant impairment in important areas of a person's functioning, in particular among young people. The literature has indicated that males show higher levels of problematic internet use than females. People can use the internet to avoid or alleviate negative affects; in fact, problematic internet use is associated with alexithymia and dissociation. Few studies have focused on the different stages of adolescence, gender differences, and the relationships between the aforementioned variables. This research aims to fill this gap. Five hundred and ninety-four adolescents aged between 13 and 19 filled in the Compulsive Internet Use Scale, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Adolescents Dissociative Experiences Scale, and other ad hoc measures. Surprisingly, females reported higher compulsive internet use compared with males. Moreover, they referred more difficulties/symptoms and greater levels of alexithymia than males. No differences across the stages of adolescence were found. Different strengths in the relationships between variables were found according to gender. Moderated mediation analyses indicated that dissociation is an important mediator in the relation between alexithymia and Compulsive Internet Use only among females. This study shed new light on gender differences around problematic internet use and some related risk factors, in order to identify and develop prevention and treatment programs to face this topical and relevant issue.

Sexual stigmas among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals with problematic internet use and depression.

Sexual stigma causes psychological distress among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. LGB individuals are more likely to exhibit both problematic Internet use (PIU) and significant depression than are heterosexual individuals. Whether the severities of sexual stigma varied among LGB individuals with various statuses of comorbid PIU and depression warrants study. The present study aimed to investigate the differences in the experiences of familial sexual stigma (FSS), internalized sexual stigma (ISS), and sexual orientation microaggressions (SOMs) among LGB individuals with various statuses of comorbid PIU and depression. In total, 1,000 self-identified LGB young adult individuals participated in the study. The level of PIU was assessed using the Chen Internet Addiction Scale, depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale, the experience of FSS was assessed using the Homosexuality-Related Stigma Scale, the experience of ISS was assessed using the Measure of Internalized Sexual Stigma for Lesbians and Gay Men, and the experience of sexual orientation microaggression was assessed using the Sexual Orientation Microaggression Inventory. The differences in the levels of FSS, ISS, and SOMs among the four groups [i.e., the groups with both PIU and depression (comorbid group), only depression, only PIU, and neither PIU nor depression (neither group)] were investigated using multivariate analysis of covariance. The results indicated that LGB individuals with comorbid PIU and depression reported higher levels of ISS and SOMs than did those with depression only and PIU only, respectively. Moreover, LGB individuals with PIU or significant depression had higher levels of FSS and SOMs than did those with neither PIU nor depression. The results of this study supported that the experiences of FSS, ISS, and SOMs were significantly associated with various levels of PIU and depression in LGB individuals.

The Relationship Between Problematic Internet Use of Adolescents and Their Level of Satisfaction with Family Life

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the relationship between the level of problematic internet use of adolescents and their level of satisfaction with family life.&#x0D; Method: The research was conducted in a cross-sectional descriptive design. 508 volunteer students from among the students studying at the high schools in Yozgat city center participated in the research which was carried out in the 2021-2022 academic year.. Data were collected through Google Forms questionnaires sent to students' smartphones. &#x0D; Results: The results of the analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between the problematic internet use of adolescents and their level of satisfaction with family life. Accordingly, a significant difference was determined between the variables of family income, academic achievement, father's educational background and father's child-rearing attitudes and problematic internet use. Furthermore, a significant difference was determined between the variables of academic achievement, parents’ living together, father's educational background, father's working status, family's economic income and the level of satisfaction with family life.&#x0D; Conclusion: In this study, the significance of the family with regard to the development of adolescents as healthy internet users was emphasized; it was suggested that preventive, protective and educational studies should be carried out and that the use of different methods, including other possible predictors, should be included in follow-up studies.

Problematic Internet Use among Polish Students: Prevalence, Relationship to Sociodemographic Data and Internet Usage Patterns.

Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is a broad term that covers problems with Internet use that result in psychological, social, academic or professional difficulties. The aim of our study was to identify individuals particularly vulnerable to developing PIU among Polish students, taking into account sociodemographic characteristics and Internet use patterns. A total of 1008 students of Polish universities took part in the survey. The research tool was The Problematic Internet Use Test-the Polish version of the Internet Addiction Test. Among the respondents, 10.2% showed signs of PIU-high or very high risk of addiction. Significantly higher levels of PIU were found in males than females, science students than medical and humanities students, and Internet users using a computer, as opposed to students using only a phone/tablet. A decrease in PIU was observed as students improved their assessment of their material situation. The severity of PIU increased significantly as the importance of Internet use for entertainment increased. Our research indicates that it is worth implementing measures to prevent the development of PIU in Poland, e.g., screening educational campaigns, especially for science students. It is also necessary to offer students at lower levels of education, especially the less affluent, forms of leisure time other than computer activity with the use of the Internet.

Problematic Internet Use among Adults: A Cross-Cultural Study in 15 Countries.

The present study compared adult usage patterns of online activities, the frequency rate of problematic internet use (PIU), and risk factors (including the psychopathology associated with PIU, i.e., distress and impulsivity) among adults in 15 countries from Europe, America, and Asia. A total of 5130 adults from Belgium, Finland, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, UK, Norway, Peru, Canada, US, and Indonesia completed an online survey assessing PIU and a number of psychological variables (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress, and impulsivity). The sample included more females, with a mean age of 24.71 years (SD = 8.70). PIU was slightly lower in European countries (rates ranged from 1.1% in Finland to 10.1% in the UK, compared to 2.9% in Canada and 10.4% in the US). There were differences in specific PIU rates (e.g., problematic gaming ranged from 0.4% in Poland to 4.7% in Indonesia). Regression analyses showed that PIU was predicted by problematic social networking and gaming, lack of perseverance, positive urgency, and depression. The differences in PIU between countries were significant for those between continental regions (Europe versus non-European countries). One of the most interesting findings is that the specific PIU risks were generally low compared to contemporary literature. However, higher levels of PIU were present in countries outside of Europe, although intra-European differences existed.

Couples' Relationship Satisfaction and Problematic Internet Use - A Dyadic Response Surface Analysis

Maintaining a balance between healthy technology use and happy relationships can be challenging. This explorative study aims to examine the association between problematic internet use and relationship satisfaction in couples using a dyadic approach. In a sample of 155 heterosexual couples, a DRSA was conducted to examine the association of both partners’ relationship satisfaction with their problematic internet use, as well as the association between the (dis)similarity between partners in their relationship satisfactionwith the problematic internet use of each partner. Results showed that a higher personal level of relationship satisfaction was associated with a lower level of problematic internet use, while the (dis)similarity between partners was not associated with the problematic internet use.

Problematic Internet Use, Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Symptoms in Adults with COVID-19 Pandemic and Earthquake Experience: Insights from Croatian Online Survey.

In 2020, Croatia was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and two earthquakes. As previous research showed that Internet use (IU) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, we carried out an online survey to determine the levels of problematic Internet use (PIU) and problematic specific Internet activities before and during the prolonged stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as earthquakes. We also determined the correlation between the PIU and specific Internet activities and anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. According to the responses of 1,118 participants from all Croatian regions, PIU increased by 14.1 percent (odds ratio [OR] 6.2), problematic social media use by 12.6 percent (OR 4.8), and uncontrolled online shopping by 5.3 percent (OR 5.8) in comparison with presurvey period. The PIU increase was significantly higher in participants reporting only pandemic-related stress than in those reporting both pandemic- and earthquake-related stress. Problematic social media use increased in those reporting only pandemic-related stress and both pandemic- and earthquake-related stress. The strongest correlation between PIU and problematic social media use and anxiety, depression, intrusion, and avoidance symptoms was found among those reporting both pandemic- and earthquake-related stress. The correlation between psychiatric measures and PIU and problematic specific Internet activities varied depending on the source of experienced or perceived stress. Our findings show the relationship between the problematic stress-related Internet behaviors, different types of stressors, and their impact on the overall PIU and problematic specific Internet activities in situations of prolonged stress.

Cyber Bullying and Victimization among University Students

The study aimed to reveal the prevalence of cyber bullying and victimization among university students and to analyze whether levels of cyber bullying and victimization in students can be differentiated according to the level of problematic Internet use. Moreover, the study intended to examine the relationships between gender, year level, and level of income and cyber bullying and victimization. The team recruited 863 university students enrolled at different departments of Ege University, during academic year 2017–2018. The Revised Cyber Bullying Inventory, Problematic Internet Usage Scale (PIUS), and Demographic Information Form were used for data collection. Multiple linear regression analysis and the Kruskal–Wallis H-test were used for data analyses. Results indicated that cyber bullying and victimization are common problems among university students with prevalence rates of 57% and 68%, respectively, among students in the current sample. The findings demonstrated that levels of cyber bullying and victimization differed based on gender and level of income. However, no significant relationship was observed with year level. Additionally, the “negative consequences of the Internet” and “social comfort,” which are two subscales of PIUS, predicted the prevalence of cyber bullying and victimization. Excessive usage, the third subscale, did not predict any variable. Considering the findings obtained from this study, further research on university students and adults is suggested. Moreover, preventive measures to secure the Internet should be considered to prevent cyber bullying. Specifically, developing intervention programs for cyber victims is necessary to mitigate the negative effects.

Problematic Internet Use and wellbeing during adolescence

IntroductionPIU has not yet been recognized by diagnostic classification systems, but it has received increasing research and clinical attention. It is defined as a generalized and compulsive use of the Internet associated with a loss of control and negative consequences for the individualObjectivesThe main goal was to analyze the relation between problematic Internet Use and wellbeing in adolescentsMethodsThe sample included a total of 1059 adolescents (47% were males). Age range was between 14 and 18 years old (M = 15,12; SD = 1,03). We used the Compulsive Internet Use Scale to assess Problematic Internet Use and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to screen for psychological difficulties and prosocial behaviour.ResultsThe results found in the ANOVA revealed that problematic internet use was statistically significant associated with psychological difficulties and prosocial capabilities (λ = 0.475, F(3,83,000) = 25.569, P ≤ 0.001, η² = 0.215).Adolescents with higher levels of Problematic Internet Use revealed more emotional and behavioural difficulties. In addition. those adolescents with higher levels of prosocial ablities were at a lower risk for Problematic Internet Use.ConclusionsPrevious research have revealed that the use of Internet has almost doubled in the last decade among adolescents across different European countries. Results revealed statistically significant correlations between Problematic Internet Use and indicators of well-being such as emotional difficulties and behavioral problems, as well as prosocial behaviours. Prevention strategies should focus on detecting problematic internet use among adolescents, as it is a variable related with different psychological difficulties that are diminishing adolescents’ well-being.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Reality Group Counseling for Indonesian-Malaysian Muslim Students with Problematic Internet Use: Is it Effective? If So, How Does It Work?

Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is one of the factors that influence mental health and psychosocial issues, particularly for students. However, limited research when it comes to such specificities as Muslim students. This research was designed to examine the effectiveness of reality group counseling in reducing the level of PIU on Muslim students. A quantitative approach with quasi-experiment pretest-posttest control group design was administered to examine the impact of reality group counseling on PIU. Twenty-eight Muslim students (14 junior and 14 high school students), from Indonesia and Malaysia, were participated in the study. Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) was employed to measure the PIU and was analyzed using mixed ANOVA. The results showed that reality group counseling was significantly reduced the PIU level of participants in both countries. Thus, it can be concluded that reality group counseling should be implemented to treat Muslim students with a high level of PIU. The research findings and limitations are discussed.

Association of problematic internet use with depression, impulsivity, anger, aggression, and social anxiety: Results of a national study among Lebanese adolescents.

ABSTRACTImportanceSeveral studies conducted worldwide (mostly in Western countries) highlighted the negative effects of problematic internet use, particularly among adolescents aged 12 to 17, including depression, impulsivity, aggression, and social fear and avoidance. In Lebanon, literature on the prevalence and impact of problematic internet use among adolescents is limited.ObjectiveThis study aim was to study the association between problematic internet use and depression, impulsivity, anger, aggression and social phobia among Lebanese adolescents.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was performed on 1103 young adolescents (14–17 years), recruited from October 2017 till April 2018. The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was used to evaluate the level of problematic internet use. Data were analyzed using the MANCOVA analysis. The main independent variable of interest was the IAT, while the dependent variables included the psychological scales.ResultsThe multivariate analysis taking the psychological scales as the dependent variables and the problematic internet use (IAT score) as an independent variable, showed that problematic internet use was associated with higher depression, impulsivity, aggression, anger, hostility and social anxiety.InterpretationProblematic internet use has become an important health issue that should not be overlooked, particularly because of the increased use of the internet by adolescents. Educational programs on early exposure to the internet should be developed.

Internet addiction and psychological distress among Chinese schoolchildren before and during the COVID-19 outbreak: A latent class analysis.

Background and aimsThe present longitudinal study examined the changes in problematic internet use (problematic smartphone use, problematic social media use, and problematic gaming) and changes in COVID-19-related psychological distress (fear of COVID-19 and worry concerning COVID-19) across three time-points (before the COVID-19 outbreak, during the initial stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, and during the COVID-19 outbreak recovery period).MethodsA total of 504 Chinese schoolchildren completed measures concerning problematic internet use and psychological distress across three time-points. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to classify participants into three groups of problematic internet use comprising Group 1 (lowest level), Group 2 (moderate level), and Group 3 (highest level).ResultsStatistical analyses showed that as problematic use of internet-related activities declined among Group 3 participants across the three time points, participants in Group 1 and Group 2 had increased problematic use of internet-related activities. Although there was no between-group difference in relation to worrying concerning COVID-19 infection, Groups 2 and 3 had significantly higher levels of fear of COVID-19 than Group 1 during the COVID-19 recovery period. Regression analysis showed that change in problematic internet use predicted fear of COVID-19 during the recovery period.ConclusionThe varied levels of problematic internet use among schoolchildren reflect different changing trends of additive behaviors during COVID-19 outbreak and recovery periods.

Problematic internet use profiles and psychosocial risk among adolescents.

ObjectiveAlthough Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is an emerging area of study in psychology, little is known about the unique features of specific subgroups of internet users and their psychosocial vulnerabilities within robust and nationwide populations.MethodsThe aim of this study was to identify distinct latent groups of internet users based on their PIU risk and to compare their psychosocial outcomes. To achieve this, a nationally representative sample of adolescents of the same grade (N = 1,066, Meanage = 13.46 years, range = 12–16) was recruited from several schools in Slovenia through stratified random sampling.ResultsA Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) revealed a two-class solution, with Class 1 (n = 853, 80%) featuring ‘low PIU risk’ participants and Class 2 (n = 213, 20%) including ‘high PIU risk’ participants. Behaviorally, the main feature of Class 1 denoted ‘time management difficulties’ while Class 2 was best characterized by ‘mood and time management issues’. Further frequentist and Bayesian analyses indicated that Class 2 presented greater psychosocial risk compared to Class 1 due to significantly higher levels of PIU (generalized and across specific PIU subfactors) coupled with lower levels of subjective well-being and self-control.ConclusionsContrary to what was initially envisaged, the two classes did not differ in terms of perceived quality in parent-child relationship. This study shows that PIU patterns and symptom-severity may be developmentally specific, further highlighting the need for clinically age-adjusted PIU screening practices within epidemiological and healthcare settings.

Longitudinal associations between dispositional mindfulness and addictive behaviors in adolescents.

Adolescence is a vulnerable period for the development of addictive behaviors, and substance use (SU) and problematic Internet use (PIU) typically start during this developmental stage. Dispositional Mindfulness (DM) has been proposed as a protective factor for adolescents against numerous psychological problems. Previous studies have suggested that the Observing facet of DM may moderate the other facets' roles. The objective of this study was to longitudinally analyze whether the facets of DM could predict lower levels of PIU and SU among adolescents, and to assess whether the Observing facet moderated the associations between the other facets of DM and addictive behaviors. A total of 836 participants aged 11 to 18 completed measures of PIU, SU, and the five facets of DM. The results indicated that Acting with Awareness predicted lower SU, Describing predicted an increase in both PIU and SU, and Non-judging marginally predicted lower PIU. Furthermore, Observing was beneficial against PIU when combined with high levels of Acting with Awareness, but was not when combined with high levels of Describing. The implications and future directions for the empirical study of DM against addictive behaviors are discussed.