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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Digital Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2021) | Viewed by 133333

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Bridgette Bewick

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Guest Editor

Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9NL, UK
Interests: psychological wellbeing; e-health interventions; digital wellbeing; behavior change

Prof. Dr. John McAlaney

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth BH12 5BB, UK
Interests: social psychology; cyberpsychology; risk behaviours; prevention; intervention; sociotechnical systems; gambling; cybersecurity
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health will be devoted to digital wellness. A more nuanced understanding of how the digital world impacts on our physical, psychological and social health is of critical importance if we are to make the most of the opportunities afforded by digital technology while minimizing negative consequences. This Special Issue will add to the knowledge base and advance our international understanding of digital wellness within research and practice across the globe.

A broad range of studies on digital wellness and wellbeing will be considered for inclusion in the Special Issue. We encourage you to submit original, empirical studies as well as systematic reviews or meta-analyses. Short reports and methodological papers will also be considered. Especially, we encourage the submission of interdisciplinary work and multi-country collaborative research.

Dr. Bridgette Bewick
Dr. John McAlaney
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Digital health and wellbeing
Digital wellness
Persuasive technology
Digital addiction
Cyberpsychology
Social informatics
Social media
Affective computing
Socially adaptive systems

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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14 pages, 1000 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationships between Gender, Life Satisfaction, Loneliness and Problematic Internet Use during COVID-19: Does the Lockdown Matter?

by Jensen Deutrom, Vasilis Katos, Mohamed Basel Al-Mourad and Raian Ali

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1325; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031325 - 25 Jan 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4644

Abstract

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments have attempted to reduce virus transmission by implementing lockdown procedures, leading to increased social isolation and a new reliance on technology and the internet for work and social communication. We examined people’s experiences working from home in the UK to identify risk factors of problematic internet use during the first lockdown period, specifically looking at life satisfaction, loneliness, and gender. A total of 299 adults completed the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire-Short-Form-6, UCLA-3 Item Loneliness Scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale online. Through structural equation modelling, we found that loneliness positively predicted problematic internet use while gender had no effect. Life satisfaction and age positively predicted loneliness but had no direct effect on problematic internet use, suggesting loneliness fully mediated their relationship with problematic internet use. Our study serves as a benchmark study of problematic internet use among those working from home during lockdown conditions, which may be utilized by future researchers exploring longitudinal patterns post-pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Wellness: Psychosocial and Physical Health in the Digital World)

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16 pages, 1844 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Intervention for Problematic Smartphone Use

by Sarah Kent, Ciara Masterson, Raian Ali, Christine E. Parsons and Bridgette M. Bewick

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13165; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413165 - 14 Dec 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6100

Abstract

Smartphones have become the primary devices for accessing the online world. The potential for smartphone use to become problematic has come into increasing focus. Students and young adults have been shown to use their smartphones at high rates and may be at risk for problematic use. There is limited research evaluating interventions for problematic smartphone use. The present research aimed to develop and evaluate a digital intervention for problematic smartphone use in a student population. A mixed-method case series design was used. The participants were 10 students with mild–moderate dependency on the online world (measured via a self-report questionnaire). An intervention comprising goal setting, personalised feedback, mindfulness, and behavioural suggestions was delivered via a smartphone application. Time spent on smartphones was measured objectively through the same application. Changes in problematic technology use, wellbeing, mindfulness, and sleep were also evaluated. The findings indicate that the intervention resulted in a reduction in self-reported problematic smartphone use, but not screen time. The findings also indicate that over the course of participation, there was a positive influence on wellbeing, online dependency, mindfulness, and sleep. However, the mechanisms of change could not be determined. The study provides preliminary evidence that a light-touch, smartphone-delivered package is an acceptable and effective intervention for students wishing to better manage their problematic smartphone use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Wellness: Psychosocial and Physical Health in the Digital World)

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14 pages, 451 KiB

Open AccessArticle

When Does a Lot Become Too Much? A Q Methodological Investigation of UK Student Perceptions of Digital Addiction

by Luke Turner, Bridgette M. Bewick, Sarah Kent, Azaria Khyabani, Louise Bryant and Barbara Summers

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11149; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111149 - 23 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3496

Abstract

Despite the benefits of the internet and other digital technology, the online world has been associated with a negative impact on university student wellbeing. Many university students report symptoms of pathological internet use. Internationally, further research is needed to understand what student users of technology perceive to be problematic internet and/or digital use. The current study explores the range of perceptions that university students hold about ‘digital addiction’. We recruited 33 participants from a UK university into a Q-methodology study. Participants sorted, ranked, and commented on fifty-two statements representing the concourse of ‘things written or said about digital addiction’. The statements were identified from a comprehensive search of a wide variety of sources (e.g., newspapers, academic articles, blogs, and YouTube). Principal Component Analysis was used to identify four distinct viewpoints of ‘digital addiction’: (I) digital addiction is differentiated by the negative consequences experienced by addicted individuals; (II) digital addiction comes from our fascination with the online world; (III) digital addiction is an attempt to escape real world problems and impacts on mental health and relationships; (IV) digital addiction is defined by the amount of time we spend online. All four viewpoints share the perception that people do not realize they are digitally addicted because using and having digital devices on you at all times has become the social norm. There was also overall agreement that that those with ‘addictive personalities’ were more likely to be ‘digitally addicted’. Despite these similarities, complexity and contradictions within the viewpoints surrounding what digital addiction is and how it might be defined are apparent. The information found in this study provides important suggestions of how we might frame prevention and early intervention messages to engage students and ensure they develop the skills necessary to successfully manage their digital lives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Wellness: Psychosocial and Physical Health in the Digital World)

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15 pages, 535 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developing and Testing a Scale Designed to Measure Perceived Phubbing

by Meredith E. David and James A. Roberts

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 8152; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218152 - 4 Nov 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6834

Abstract

Phubbing (phone snubbing) has become a commonplace behavior. The more we are phubbed the more likely we are to phub others. The extraordinary attention-grabbing ability of the smartphone would only be an interesting story if not for its impact on social media use and, ultimately, stress and depression. In Study 1 (n = 258, M_age = 20), we develop a parsimonious and valid measure of phubbing. Extant “phubbing” measures all lack important qualities needed to be able to assess phubbing with a brief and valid scale that can be replicated and used in a variety of research settings. In Study 2 (n = 157, M_age = 39), we test and extend the David and Roberts (2017) phubbing model, while further validating our perceived phubbing measure. We use Social Exchange Theory and Kardefelt-Winther’s (2014) model of compensatory internet use as theoretical support for our expected findings. Results find that phubbed individuals experience a sense of social exclusion that, paradoxically, is associated with an increased use of social media. This increased use of social media is associated with higher reported levels of anxiety and depression. Future research directions and study limitations are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Wellness: Psychosocial and Physical Health in the Digital World)

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28 pages, 1328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combating Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) on Social Media: The FoMO-R Method

by Aarif Alutaybi, Dena Al-Thani, John McAlaney and Raian Ali

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6128; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176128 - 23 Aug 2020

Cited by 101 | Viewed by 60382

Abstract

Background: The fear of missing out (FoMO) on social media refers to the apprehension that online content and interactions from others are unseen and reacted to in a timely fashion. FoMO can become problematic, leading to anxiety, interrupted sleep, lack of concentration and dependence on social media to generate gratification. The literature has mainly focused on understanding the FoMO experience, factors contributing to it and its consequences. Method: In this paper, we build on previous research and develop a FoMO Reduction (FoMO-R) approach that embraces technical elements such as autoreply, filtering, status, education on how FoMO occurs and skills on how to deal with it; e.g., self-talk and checklists. We evaluate the method through focus groups and a diary study involving 30 participants who self-declared to experience FoMO regularly. Results: The results show that the method was accepted by the participants and helped them to manage their FoMO. They also show that a set of extra functionalities in social media design is needed so that users can manage FoMO more effectively. Conclusion: FoMO can be reduced through socio-technical approaches, joining both social and technical skills, and literacy on how social media are designed and how social interactions should happen on them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Wellness: Psychosocial and Physical Health in the Digital World)

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17 pages, 796 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selfitis Behavior: Assessing the Italian Version of the Selfitis Behavior Scale and Its Mediating Role in the Relationship of Dark Traits with Social Media Addiction

by Lucia Monacis, Mark D. Griffiths, Pierpaolo Limone, Maria Sinatra and Rocco Servidio

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(16), 5738; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17165738 - 8 Aug 2020

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 8031

Abstract

Research on selfie-related behavior has recently flourished. The present study expands theoretical and empirical work on phenomenon by assessing the psychometric properties of the Selfitis Behavior Scale among an Italian sample and by examining its unexplored mediating role in the relationships between dark triad traits and social media addiction. A total of 490 participants (53.1% females) completed a self-report survey including socio-demographics, the Selfitis Behavior Scale (SBS), the Short Dark Triad Scale (SD3), and the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS). Results showed the SBS had a five-factor structure with good psychometrics properties in terms of reliability coefficients and measurement invariance across gender. In addition, findings from the path model supported the mediating role of selfitis behavior in the relationships of narcissism and psychopathy with social media addiction. Machiavellianism was found to be unrelated to selfitis behavior and social media addiction. The model shed light into the previous inconsistent findings on the associations between dark triad traits and social media addiction by taking into account the key role of selfitis behavior as an underlying mechanism. The findings may explain individual differences in personality traits associated with co-dependence (i.e., the combination of the dependence on self and others and social media addiction). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Wellness: Psychosocial and Physical Health in the Digital World)

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9 pages, 328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Smartphone Use and Postural Balance in Healthy Young Adults

by Roxana Ramona Onofrei, Elena Amaricai, Oana Suciu, Vlad Laurentiu David, Andreea Luciana Rata and Elena Hogea

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(9), 3307; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17093307 - 9 May 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4743

Abstract

Maintaining an upright posture while talking or texting on the phone is a frequent dual-task demand. Using a within-subjects design, the aim of the present study was to assess the impact of a smartphone conversation or message texting on standing plantar pressure and postural balance performance in healthy young adults. Thirty-five subjects (mean age 21.37 ± 1.11 years) were included in this study. Simultaneous foot plantar pressure and stabilometric analysis were performed using the PoData system, under three conditions: no phone (control), talking on a smartphone (talk) and texting and sending a text message via a smartphone (text). Stabilometric parameters (center of pressure (CoP) path length, 90% confidence area and maximum CoP speed) were significantly affected by the use of different smartphone functions (p < 0.0001). The CoP path length and maximum CoP speed were significantly higher under the talk and text conditions when compared to the control. CoP path length, 90% confidence area and maximum CoP speed were significantly increased in talk compared to text and control. Talking on the phone also influenced the weight distribution on the left foot first metatarsal head and heel as compared with message texting. Postural stability in healthy young adults was significantly affected by talking and texting on a smartphone. Talking on the phone proved to be more challenging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Wellness: Psychosocial and Physical Health in the Digital World)

14 pages, 811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Demographics and Health Behavior of Video Game and eSports Players in Germany: The eSports Study 2019

by Kevin Rudolf, Peter Bickmann, Ingo Froböse, Chuck Tholl, Konstantin Wechsler and Christopher Grieben

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(6), 1870; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17061870 - 13 Mar 2020

Cited by 94 | Viewed by 23539

Abstract

The number of video game and eSports players is steadily rising. Since little is known about their health behavior to date, the present study examines the demographics and health behavior of video game and eSports players. In this cross-sectional study, data on demographics, health status, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and video game usage were assessed via a web-based survey of n = 1066 players (91.9% male; 22.9 ± 5.9 years; body mass index (BMI): 24.6 ± 4.8 kg/m²) in Germany in 2018. The majority of respondents (95%) reported a good to excellent health status. Two thirds (66.9%) engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity for more than 2.5 h/week. The average duration of sitting and sleep time was 7.7 ± 3.6 h/day and 7.1 ± 1.3 h/day, respectively. Mean fruit and vegetable consumption was 2.7 ± 1.8 portions/day. Video games were played for 24.4 ± 15.9 h/week on average. Partial Spearman correlations revealed poor positive associations of video game play time to sedentary behavior (rho = 0.15; p < 0.01) and BMI (rho = 0.11; p < 0.01), as well as a poor negative association to self-reported health status (rho = −0.14; p < 0.01). These results indicate the good subjective health of this target group. Nevertheless, the high amount of video game play time and its poor negative association to health status indicate a need for specific health promotion strategies for this target group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Wellness: Psychosocial and Physical Health in the Digital World)

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10 pages, 514 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Profile Pictures in the Digital World: Self-Photographs Predict Better Life Satisfaction

by Kalai Hung, Naomi A. Lee, Kaiping Peng and Jie Sui

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6667; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126667 - 21 Jun 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4424

Abstract

Profiles pictures as online identities represent an extension of the user’s self in the digital world. Changes in self-representation are responsible for reduced well-being in individuals in the offline world. However, whether profile picture selection predicts the well-being of internet users is unknown. To address this question, we tested the relationship between the type of profile picture (e.g., self-photographs or other pictures) used on social media and the life satisfaction of internet users, accounting for gender and personality traits that have been thought to relate to the selection of profile pictures. The results showed that individuals using self-photographs as profiles reported a higher level of life satisfaction compared to individuals using other pictures as profiles. This effect was influenced by gender, openness, and extraversion. Hierarchical regression and moderation analyses revealed that openness and profile type interacted to predict life satisfaction in women, while openness and profile picture independently predicted life satisfaction in men. Furthermore, extraversion directly predicted life satisfaction in both men and women. These results indicate that the consistency between one’s online and offline self-representation may characterize internet users’ well-being, with potential implications for digital wellness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Wellness: Psychosocial and Physical Health in the Digital World)

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20 pages, 596 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Social and Behavioral Health Factors Associated with Violent and Mature Gaming in Early Adolescence

by Linda Charmaraman, Amanda M. Richer and Megan A. Moreno

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(14), 4996; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17144996 - 11 Jul 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7621

Abstract

We examined how risk level of video games, measured by maturity and violence level, was associated with behavioral health, social impacts, and online social interactions. School-based surveys in two different cohorts assessed self-reported gaming behaviors, health, and social media use. For Study 1, our 700 participants were 52% female and 48% White (mean age 12.7). Middle school students who played the high-risk games reported higher depressive symptoms and problematic internet behaviors, less sleep, more time spent playing games, and higher frequency of checking social media than non-gaming students. Those who played high-risk games were less likely to play alone and to play with strangers than those who played minimal-risk games. For Study 2, our 772 participants were 50% female and 57% White (mean age 12.6). Similar to Study 1, we found that those who played the high-risk games spent significantly more time playing games, were more interactive with other players, and had poorer sleep outcomes than non-high-risk gamers. Additionally, playing high-risk games had significantly different social impacts of gaming compared to less-risky gaming, including spending more money on games, spending less time on homework and with family or skipping meals due to gaming. Mature and violent content of video games and amount of online social interaction associated with gaming play a strong role in behavioral health and social impacts within families. These results can inform guidelines to intervene when problematic behaviors emerge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Wellness: Psychosocial and Physical Health in the Digital World)

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