Online Behavior Research Articles

Adolescents’ Online Risks and Parental Mediation in Nigerian Families: Gender in Focus

This study investigates the gender perspectives of adolescents’ online risk-taking and parental mediation in Nigerian families. Because the “the-one size fits all” relating to effective mediation of adolescents’ digital media may not apply to adolescent boys and girls in the same way. Accounting for gender differences in digital media use that lead to risky behavioral outcomes will enhance parents’ efforts in interceding their online media activities. The population for this study includes parents and students in public secondary schools in Lagos, Nigeria. The sample size for this study was 1,050 parents and their children. The questionnaire was the data collection instrument to obtain information about adolescent online media activities and parental mediation practices. The study’s findings show that girls engage in chatting with strangers and social networking more than boys, and boys engage in online gambling, online gaming and pornographic content more than girls. The findings also show that the risky online behavior of adolescent girls correlates with increased time spent on online media activities. Interventions targeted at female adolescents relating to digital media use, online media activities and risky online behavior will enhance parental efforts in interceding in their risky behaviors.

Девиантное онлайн-поведение: от классификации видов к анализу программ и технологий помощи

<p style="text-align: justify;">The article presents the classification of deviant online behavior, as well as an analysis of programmes and technologies to help minors on the Internet. Such types of deviant online behavior as cyber aggressive (trolling, cyberbullying, hitting, etc.), antisocial (Internet fraud, participation in destructive groups, etc.), auto-aggressive and self-harming, cyber addictive (Internet addiction, dumscrolling, phabbing, etc.), cyber risky (watching thrashing, trolling, phabbing, etc.), cyber risky (watching thrash content, taking dangerous selfies, etc.) as well as cybervictim behavior (grooming, sexting, etc.). For the analysis, 10 programmes from the last 5 years, in which the topic of deviant behavior of minors on the Internet and cyber security was stated, were taken from open sources. In the process of analysis, the evaluation criteria outlined in the Guidelines for the Verification of Educational and Social Programmes and Technologies in accordance with the evidence-based approach in psychology and education were applied. Conclusions were drawn about the focus of the analysed programmes, and prospects for further development of social and psycho-pedagogical work technologies in the context of online deviant behavior were proposed.</p>

Analyzing Student's Perceptions about the Values of Digital Citizenship

In this paper, we examine the impact of the pandemic on university students in Jordan, focusing on their digital citizenship and attitudes towards distance learning. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey, with 780 participants. The findings reveal that distance learning is widely applicable, with 89.87% of students utilizing live online learning content. The majority of students exhibit responsible online behavior, respecting others and refraining from bullying. They also actively engage in digital activities, express their opinions, and share their expertise online. Additionally, many students use technology for legitimate purchases during the pandemic. However, 95% of participants are aware of the potential health issues caused by excessive digital device use. Finally, it is shown that the university students in Jordan demonstrate good knowledge and positive attitudes towards digital citizenship, highlighting the importance of digital literacy and responsible online behavior in the face of the COVID-19 crisis.

Social Media Influencers as Catalysts A Study on Parasocial Relationships and their Impact on Shaping Online Buying Intentions and Behaviors

Social Media Influencers as Catalysts A Study on Parasocial Relationships and their Impact on Shaping Online Buying Intentions and Behaviors

A STUDY OF INTERNET ADDICTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND THEIR BEHAVIOURAL PATTERNS

This study aims to explore the phenomenon of internet addiction among adolescents and their behavioural patterns. Data for the study was gathered through in-depth interviews with five hundred seventy children, ages twelve to seventeen, who reported excessive internet use and its detrimental effects. The research design utilised in the study was qualitative. The data was analysed using the thematic analysis method to find themes and patterns about internet addiction and how it affects children's behaviour. The results showed that internet addiction among children in India is a growing concern and affects their behaviour patterns in several ways, including neglect of studies and physical activity, social isolation, anger issues, frustration, lack of respect towards elders, unrealistic dreams and demands, cyberbullying, and risky online behaviour, etc. The findings suggest increased awareness and education about the dangers of excessive internet use and support for adolescents and their families.

Exploring Social Media Use Among Young Adults for Health Information Acquisition

The purpose of this study is to investigate the usage of social media platforms to obtain health-related information among young adults in Pakistan. Considering the increasing reliance on digital sources for health-related inquiries, especially among the youth, this study aims to examine the prevalence and impact of social media in this context within the context of Pakistani culture. People get to connect more and learn about their issues and health. A survey is conducted to study aims to identify factors that young adults' engagement with social media health information and their beliefs of the credibility and trustworthiness of such sources. By shedding light on these dynamics, the findings of this study can help develop targeted interventions and educational initiatives aimed at promoting healthy reading and responsible online behaviour among Pakistani youth. A survey is scheduled in four universities based in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The departments of social sciences, IT, Public Health, Psychology and Media Sciences. 300 Students are reached out to get the objectives done. The knowledge gained from this study is well-positioned to guide focused interventions and educational initiatives meant to cultivate in Pakistani youth a culture of responsible online engagement and informed decision-making. This research has identified the underlying motives and behaviours that are connected with online health-seeking practices, and it has determined the influences on engagement with health content on social media and appraised opinions about the validity and dependability of such sources. The study has resulted in some significant findings that could be used for us to design programs and interventions that would guide young Pakistanis on how they can embrace technology responsibly while keeping themselves secure while online.

E-commerce and Consumer Behavior

The research investigates consumer behavior within e-commerce, focusing on the factors influencing online purchasing decisions and strategies to enhance customer engagement and loyalty. The study explores psychological, social, and technological elements that shape online behaviors, including personalization, trust-building mechanisms, and user experience optimization. Employing a mixed-methods approach, it examines how e-commerce businesses leverage data analytics, marketing strategies, and customer feedback to adapt to evolving consumer preferences. Special attention is given to the impact of COVID-19 on accelerating digital shopping trends. Findings reveal critical insights into trust-building, customer retention, and the effectiveness of personalization and loyalty programs. This study provides a comprehensive framework for e-commerce businesses to refine their strategies, ensuring competitiveness and sustained consumer satisfaction in a rapidly evolving digital marketplace.

Gender Differences in Online Behavior: Exploring the Moderating Effect on Loneliness and Cyberslacking among University Students

Gender Differences in Online Behavior: Exploring the Moderating Effect on Loneliness and Cyberslacking among University Students

Problematic online behaviors constitute related yet distinct conditions: A cross-sectional study

This study tested the Spectrum hypothesis of problematic online behaviors (POBs) which posits that POBs (e.g., online gaming, gambling, sexual activities, and social networking) constitute distinct, yet related constructs. To overcome the limitations of previous research, we recruited a representative sample of young men and capitalized on a common assessment approach (Fifth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [DSM-5] and Eleventh version of the International Classification of Diseases [ICD-11] frameworks). The study was a single-center, observational study with a cross-sectional design (n = 2620). All targeted behaviors were assessed using the proposed criteria of the DSM-5 and the ICD-11. The correlation analysis showed that online activities were weakly correlated (0.01 ≤ r ≤ 0.19), suggesting that when people engage in one specific online activity to a problematic extent, they do not necessarily engage in several online activities in an excessive way. Using a network analysis, we showed that various POBs might reflect distinct constructs. The community detection analysis identified four communities of items corresponding to each POB. Our robust methodology and sampling strategy suggests that the construct of “Internet addiction” could be misleading. This epistemological shift might be necessary to develop adequate clinical care and public health measures to address POBs.

Associations between cognitive disengagement syndrome, Internet addiction, and Internet gaming disorder among medical students - A cross-sectional study.

Internet addiction (IA) and gaming disorder (IGD) are emerging public health concerns among youth. Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT)/cognitive disengagement syndrome has been linked with risky online behaviors, but the literature on medical students is limited. To determine associations between SCT, IA, and IGD in Indian medical undergraduates. The study included 303 medical students (ages: 18-24, 66% male). The Sociodemographic Information Form, Barkley SCT Scale, Young Internet Addiction Test-Short Form, and The Digital Game Addiction Scale were utilized to collect data. Contingency Table analyses, Mann-Whitey U-test, Chi-square test, and correlation analyses were used for analysis. The prevalence of IA and IGD was 101 (33.3%) and 61 (20%), respectively. Students with IA or IGD had significantly higher SCT, daydreaming, and sluggishness scores (P < 0.01). SCT, daydreaming, and sluggishness showed significant positive correlations with IA and IGD severity (P < 0.01). Greater SCT symptoms demonstrated significant associations with increased risk of IA and IGD among medical students. Screening for SCT alongside IA and IGD may enable targeted interventions to promote healthy Internet use.

Unveiling the Digital Underworld – Exploring Cyberbanging and Recruitment of Canadian Street Gang Members on Social Media

This study explores the online behavior of Canadian street gang members on X (formerly known as “Twitter”), Facebook, and YouTube. As scholarly Western inquiries have predominantly focused on American and British street gangs, their presentation of online recruitment often differs. Law enforcement and journalists claim that street gangs have begun using social media platforms explicitly to search for and recruit new members. Certain scholarly publications have also suggested that a small minority of street gangs utilize social media to recruit new participants; however, they do not provide ample context to describe what this looks like online. Others argue that while cyberbanging – online gang content and propaganda – can be found online, some of this content can act as indirect recruitment, as it promotes gang lifestyles to the outside observer. To examine the use of cyberbanging and the indirect recruitment it inspires, the present study examines 59 social media user profiles linked to Canadian street gang members (23 Twitter users and 36 Facebook users), along with 10 YouTube rap videos produced by street gang members, to assess the online behavior of these particular social media users. The results suggest that the most prominent type of cyberbanging content is the promotion of gang ideologies, with a clear presence of indirect recruitment techniques observed, such as displaying drugs, weapons, money, and illegal gains, boasting of facets of gang lifestyles, and other propaganda. This content, while considered cyberbanging, blurs the line between content defined as cyberbanging and that of online recruitment.

Mindfulness programs for problematic usage ofthe internet: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Problematic usage of the internet (PUI) is an umbrella term for a range of uncontrolled, excessive, and potentially harmful online behaviors. Recently, numerous studies have examined the potential of mindfulness programs (MPs) for reducing PUI. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis in this emerging field. We searched eight databases from inception to October 18, 2022, with no language restrictions. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized trials (NRTs). The primary outcome was change in self-reported PUI, the secondary outcome was change in screen time. Of 3,473 identified records, 19 RCTs and 20 NRTs with a total of 1,549 participants were included. Participation in an MP was associated with large reductions in PUI in between-group analysis in RCTs (k = 19; g = -1.67; 95% CI -2.15, -1.19) and in within-group pre-post analysis in all studies (k = 35; g = -1.67; 95% CI -1.99, -1.36). Screen time showed a medium reduction in within-group pre-post analysis (k = 10; g = -0.65; 95% CI -0.90, -0.41). The effects for PUI remained significant in a series of sensitivity analyses, such as excluding low quality studies, excluding outliers, adjusting for publication bias, or using follow-up data. Heterogeneity between studies was high and the overall quality of evidence was rated low. MPs are probably effective in reducing PUI and might be effective in reducing screen time. Shortcomings in the quality of evidence highlight the need for high-quality controlled trials with long-term follow-ups to confirm results.

Digital Literacy Based on Islamic Values to Improve Risk Perception and Critical Thinking among Muslim Adolescents

Risk perception and critical thinking have become the two important cognitive skills for adolescents to possess in order to prevent risky online behavior such as spreading fake news. These skills are related to digital literacy and can be improved through training. However, most of the existing literature is in digital literacy training, online risk perception, and critical thinking by using correlational approach and conventional digital literacy training. For this reason, this research aimed to integrate Islamic values into digital training to improve risk perception and critical thinking skills among Muslim adolescents. This study hypothesized that digital literacy based on Islamic values can improve adolescents risk perception and critical thinking skills. To test this hypothesis, a pre-test post-test within experimental research design involving 112 Muslim adolescents in Surabaya was conducted. The participants were provided with digital literacy training which was embedded with Islamic values in four training sessions. The risk perception and critical thinking scale were used to measure each dependent variable. The results of data analysis using the paired sample t-test showed that there were significant differences in the scores of risk perception and critical thinking skills before and after training. Thus, the hypotheses in this study were accepted. The practical implications of the results of this study are also discussed.

Similarities and differences in the psychological factors associated with generalised problematic internet use, problematic social media use, and problematic online gaming

Problematic online behaviours are a concern among university students. Although previous research has identified that psychological distress, cognitive distortions, conscientiousness and neuroticism traits, motor impulsivity, and emotion regulation strategies have a significant direct effect on generalised problematic Internet use (GPIU), problematic social media use (PSMU), and problematic online gaming (POG), it is still necessary to determine the extent to which these psychological factors, taken together, are associated with each of the problematic online behaviours. In a sample of 690 Spanish university students, the present study examined the relationship of these psychological factors with GPIU, PSMU, and POG. Correlation and regression analyses were performed. Results reported that (1) high psychological distress, low conscientiousness trait and high motor impulsivity were common associated factors of GPIU and PSMU, but not of POG; (2) high levels of cognitive distortions and cognitive reappraisal were common associated factors of GPIU, PSMU and POG; and (3) expressive suppression and neuroticism trait had no effect on any of the three problematic online behaviours. The findings will help to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies for each problematic online behaviour in the university context.

Leveraging Social Media to Predict COVID-19-Induced Disruptions to Mental Well-Being Among University Students: Modeling Study.

Large-scale crisis events such as COVID-19 often have secondary impacts on individuals' mental well-being. University students are particularly vulnerable to such impacts. Traditional survey-based methods to identify those in need of support do not scale over large populations and they do not provide timely insights. We pursue an alternative approach through social media data and machine learning. Our models aim to complement surveys and provide early, precise, and objective predictions of students disrupted by COVID-19. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of language on private social media as an indicator of crisis-induced disruption to mental well-being. We modeled 4124 Facebook posts provided by 43 undergraduate students, spanning over 2 years. We extracted temporal trends in the psycholinguistic attributes of their posts and comments. These trends were used as features to predict how COVID-19 disrupted their mental well-being. The social media-enabled model had an F1-score of 0.79, which was a 39% improvement over a model trained on the self-reported mental state of the participant. The features we used showed promise in predicting other mental states such as anxiety, depression, social, isolation, and suicidal behavior (F1-scores varied between 0.85 and 0.93). We also found that selecting the windows of time 7 months after the COVID-19-induced lockdown presented better results, therefore, paving the way for data minimization. We predicted COVID-19-induced disruptions to mental well-being by developing a machine learning model that leveraged language on private social media. The language in these posts described psycholinguistic trends in students' online behavior. These longitudinal trends helped predict mental well-being disruption better than models trained on correlated mental health questionnaires. Our work inspires further research into the potential applications of early, precise, and automatic warnings for individuals concerned about their mental health in times of crisis.

Assessment of an Adolescent Digital Citizenship Scale: Examining Dimensionality, Measurement Invariance and External Validity

The positive online behavior effects of digital citizenship have increasingly attracted the attention of scholars. This study designed and tested the psychometric properties of an Adolescent Digital Citizenship Scale (DCS-A) in two independent samples of Mexican secondary students (Sample 1, M age = 13.2 years, SD = 1.5 and Sample 2, M age = 13.4 years, SD = 1.4; N1 = 750, N2 = 750). We examined content, factorial, discriminant, concurrent validity, and reliability. We also tested the cross-sample and gender invariance. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) demonstrated goodness-of-fit on a second-order factorial model that displays three first-order factors (online ethic, online civic engagement, and online diversity acceptance). Cross-validation confirmed the factorial structure stability of the DCS-A across the independent sample. The result demonstrated the equivalence of the measurement model in both genders (configural, metric, and scalar invariance). The latent means comparison indicates that females held greater online ethics, online civic engagement, and online inclusive behaviors than males. Finally, the concurrent validity of the scale was supported by finding a positive relationship between DCS-A dimensions and defender behavior and a negative association with passive and reinforces interventions in cyberbullying events. These results suggest that the DCS-A is a theoretically and psychometrically grounded measure of digital citizenship in adolescents.

Development and Validation of the Online Antisocial Personality Scale (OAPS) Using the DSM-5 Criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD)

Recent studies have consistently demonstrated that antisocial behaviors occur in online environments. Although online antisocial behavior has a long history, it appears to have become more widespread in recent years due to the widespread use of online social networks. Although there are established criteria and instruments assessing antisocial behavior there are few examining such behavior online. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop the Online Antisocial Personality Scale (OAPS). The OAPS was developed using the diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality disorder in DSM-5. The OAPS assesses antisocial behavior in online environments. The present study comprised 447 adolescents (219 girls and 228 boys) from four different samples. The measures used included the Online Antisocial Personality Scale (OAPS), E-Bullyıng Scale (E-BS), and Personality Belief Questionnaire-Short Form (PBQ-STF). The structural validity of OAPS was investigated with Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and criterion validity. When validity and reliability analysis of the OAPS are considered as a whole, it is concluded that the OAPS is a valid and reliable scale that assesses online antisocial personality among adolescents.

From clicks to credits: examining the influence of online engagement and internet addiction on academic performance in Chinese universities

University students’ engagement in online activities can impact both internet addiction and academic performance. This research aims to investigate these effects among university students. Using data from the "China College Students Longitudinal Survey" conducted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences between 2013 and 2018, this study examines the influence of university students’ engagement in online activities. With a sample size of 15,102 university students, we explored the relationship between online activity, internet addiction, and academic performance. Employing stratified random sampling, the study investigates sample characteristics, including gender, study level, time spent online, and experiences accessing websites. Academic performance is assessed through six categories, employing descriptive and inferential statistics such as t-tests, ANOVA, stepwise linear regression, and path analysis. The findings indicate significantly high levels of university students’ engagement in online activities, accompanied by a high prevalence of internet addiction. Key factors determining university students’ engagement, internet addiction, and academic performance include gender, study level, time spent online, and experiences accessing websites beyond the Great Firewall. The study establishes a complex relationship, revealing negative effects of specific online engagements on internet addiction, while the latter influences university students’ engagement. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights into the intricate interplay between online behaviors, addiction, and academic performance among Chinese university students, with implications for educational policies and interventions.

Implementation of a digital health intervention for young people exposed to Technology Assisted Sexual Abuse

BackgroundThe internet has become a place of increased risk of abuse, including sexual abuse, for young people (YP). One potential risk factor to online abuse and exploitation is the ability to mentalise. We developed the i-Minds app, a mentalisation-based digital health intervention (DHI) for YP who have experienced technology assisted sexual abuse (TASA), which we tested in a clinical feasibility trial. Nested within the trial was a qualitative implementation study with clinicians who referred to the trial. ObjectiveTo explore the barriers and enablers to the future integration of i-Minds into clinical practice. Participants and settingTwelve HCPs were recruited from across two trial recruitment sites (Manchester and Edinburgh). MethodsSemi-structured interviews were informed by Normalisation Process Theory (NPT). Framework analysis was used; transcripts were coded deductively to NPT constructs. ResultsPractitioners were positive about the need for, and added value of, the i-Minds app over existing interventions, including other DHIs. While they felt confident with the app, concerns remained around the safety of using the app without practitioner support. i-Minds promoted changes in practitioners' work and impacted online behaviour of YP. There was an identified need for further training and organisational support. ConclusionsPractitioners are aware of TASA but have limited knowledge, skills and tools to work with TASA in clinical practice with YP. There is a need for awareness raising and education about TASA and DHI. i-Minds offers a theory-informed DHI for working with YP exposed to TASA that is acceptable to practitioners and YP.

Consumer decision-making processes in digital environments—A psychological perspective

This conceptual paper examines the influence of psychological principles on consumer decision-making within digital shopping environments, integrating psychological theories with empirical observations to understand how cognitive, emotional, and social factors shape consumer behaviors online. By reviewing existing literature and applying a constructivist epistemology and relativist ontology, the study develops a conceptual framework highlighting the impact of digital interface design, information availability, and personalized marketing on consumer choices. The paper analyzes various examples and identifies vital psychological triggers and decision-making barriers, offering strategic insights for enhancing digital marketing practices. This research contributes to academic and practical understandings of digital consumer behavior, proposing that a more profound integration of psychological insights can lead to more effective and ethically grounded marketing strategies in the digital era.