Search Results (53)

(1) Background: Previous studies have shown that increased Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is associated with higher Fear of Missing Out (FoMO). However, the role of gender in this association remains unclear. Evidence suggests that males and females may experience PIU and FoMO differently, warranting further examination of gender differences. (2) Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 4370 U.S. adolescents aged 12–17 years (47% female) were recruited through Qualtrics research panels and completed a national online survey on adolescent health and technology. Demographic information collected included age, race, and gender. PIU was measured using the validated three-item Problematic and Risky Internet Use Screening Scale (PRIUSS-3), while FoMO was measured using a validated 10-item FoMO scale. Multiple linear regression analysis examined the relationship between PIU and FoMO, including an interaction term between PIU and gender to assess the potential gender moderation effect while adjusting for age and race. (3) Results: Gender significantly moderated the relationship between PIU and FoMO, indicating that males experience a stronger association between PIU and FoMO compared to females. While higher PIU scores were significantly associated with higher FoMO for both males and females, each unit increase in PIU corresponded to a 0.15 point increase in FoMO for females (SE = 0.01, p < 0.01), and an additional 0.03 point increase for males (SE = 0.01, p < 0.01). (4) Conclusion: These findings illustrate the complex relationship between PIU and FoMO, highlighting the importance of gender-specific strategies and targeted interventions for promoting healthy Internet use. Full article

Background: Problematic Internet use (PIU) among adolescents has emerged as a significant public health concern, associated with the types of online activities and underlying psychological processes rather than screen time alone. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 750 adolescents (46.4% female) with a mean age of 15.39 years (SD = 1.76; range = 13–19) recruited from 7th and 8th grade primary school students and secondary school students in Split-Dalmatia County (Croatia). The study investigated the associations between specific online activities, psychological variables, and PIU using hierarchical regression and multiple mediation analyses. Results: Results revealed that time spent online remains the most strongly associated with PIU. While streaming and online shopping showed significant associations with problematic use, reading and browsing for information did not. Stress and loneliness were identified as variables associated with higher that significantly statistically mediate the relationships between online engagement and PIU, whereas emotional competence functioned as a protective factor, particularly in relation to social media use. These findings support theoretical models that conceptualize PIU as a maladaptive coping strategy for psychological distress. Conclusions: Based on these findings, prevention efforts should move beyond simple screen-time reduction and focus on strengthening adolescents’ emotional competence, stress management, and self-regulatory skills to promote healthier and more adaptive patterns of digital engagement. Full article

Problematic internet use (PIU) in adolescence is associated with adverse psychological outcomes, including emotional symptoms and impaired self-perception. The influence of PIU on physical activities such as dancing remains unclear. This study examined the psychological effects of a dance intervention in a psychiatry setting, focusing on changes in self-esteem and positive and negative emotions comparing adolescents with (PIU+) and without (PIU−) PIU. Eighteen adolescents (mean age = 15.39 years; 10 female) participated in four weekly dance workshops (WSs). Assessments used measures of self-esteem, affect, PIU, and psychiatric diagnosis. Of the sample, 44.4% met criteria for PIU. At baseline (BL), PIU+ adolescents had significantly lower self-esteem (p = 0.018) and higher internalizing disorders (p = 0.041). PIU+ showed a trend toward reduced negative emotion between BL and WS3 (p = 0.063) and significant self-esteem increases from BL to WS2 (p = 0.043) and WS3 (p = 0.042). In PIU−, positive and negative emotion decreased from BL to WS1 (p = 0.008; p = 0.007), while negative emotions increased from WS1 to WS2 (p = 0.027). These findings indicate longitudinal effects of PIU on emotional functioning. Dance interventions may reduce negative emotion and improve self-esteem, supporting use as a clinical treatment approach for adolescents with PIU. Full article

Problematic Internet use is a major health issue among adolescents, underscoring the need for further research on the variables related to this dysfunctional usage pattern. This study examined the predictive capacity of four indicators of psychosocial adjustment (depressed mood, perceived stress, loneliness, and life satisfaction) for different dimensions of problematic Internet use (preference for online social interaction, Internet use for mood regulation, deficient self-regulation of Internet use, and negative consequences) in male and female adolescents. A sample of 628 adolescents, aged 12 to 18 years (M age = 14.11; SD = 1.52), participated. The results indicated that all dimensions of problematic Internet use were positively correlated with depressive mood, perceived stress, and loneliness, and negatively correlated with life satisfaction. However, notable differences emerged in how these psychosocial variables related to the four PIU dimensions. Loneliness and life satisfaction showed the strongest and most consistent associations. Loneliness predicted Internet use for mood regulation in both males and females and, additionally, predicted preference for online social interaction and negative consequences among males. Life satisfaction was a significant negative predictor of three PIU dimensions among females. Perceived stress stood out as the only predictor of deficient self-regulation in males and females. Finally, depressive mood predicted only the Internet-use-for-mood-regulation dimension among males. These findings may be useful for developing intervention programs aimed at reducing problematic Internet use among adolescents. Full article

Background/Objectives: The frequent and uncontrolled use of digital devices has resulted in phenomena such as technological addiction and problematic ICT use, especially after the pandemic. This has been associated with several factors related to psychological distress in young adults, but less is known about the subject in adolescents. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between problematic Internet use and psychological distress factors in high school students and examine whether these variables differed when gender and academic grade level were considered. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive–correlational study was employed. A total of 2048 students from the Basque Country, aged between 11 and 17 years old, completed an online self-report questionnaire composed of demographics and ad hoc items, the Problematic Internet Use Scale (PIUS), and selected subscales from the Child and Adolescent Assessment System (anxiety, social anxiety, and depression). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analyses, independent-sample ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc tests, and independent-sample t tests were conducted. Results: Even though no differences were found between males and females when PIUS was analyzed, significant differences were found between students from different academic grade levels, whereby those from higher levels presented higher rates of problematic Internet use. Significant correlations were found between PIUS and depression, anxiety, and social anxiety. Furthermore, those who showed more problematic Internet use also presented higher anxiety, social anxiety, and depression levels. Conclusions: Adolescents in higher grade levels tend to exhibit a higher incidence of problematic Internet use. Consequently, intensive and uncontrolled Internet usage has been linked to poorer mental health. The findings underline the importance of promoting digital literacy among adolescents. These results highlight the importance of approaching psychological distress through prevention initiatives and emphasize the protective role that both schools and families play in promoting healthier and more balanced Internet use among adolescents. Full article

Problematic Internet use is an emerging concern in adolescent mental health and is closely linked to psychological distress and emotional regulation. This cross-sectional study analyzed self-reported data from 1550 adolescents aged 11–19 years in South Tyrol, a linguistically and culturally diverse region in Northern Italy. Problematic Internet use was measured using the validated Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS-2), along with standardized instruments for depressive symptoms (PHQ-2) and anxiety (SCARED-GAD). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that depression and anxiety symptoms were the strongest independent predictors of higher GPIUS-2 scores. In contrast, demographic factors such as gender, family language, urbanization, migration background, and parental education were not significantly associated with PIU. Modest associations were observed between GPIUS-2 scores and both perceived economic burden and parental use of digital control tools. Perceived family support showed a small protective effect. These findings underscore the central role of emotional vulnerability in adolescent PIU and suggest that interventions should focus on supporting mental health and adaptive coping rather than solely targeting screen time or structural family characteristics. Full article

Background: Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is associated with emotional and cognitive dysregulation, yet its neural correlates, particularly in non-clinical populations, remain poorly understood. This study investigated association of the resting-state alpha asymmetry and desynchronization with psychological correlates of internet use within healthy regular internet users. Methods: A total of 129 participants (49 males, aged 18–35) were assessed using the Nine-Item Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ 9), alongside measures of anxiety, depression, and obsessive–compulsive symptoms. Resting-state EEG was recorded across Eyes Open (EO) and Eyes Closed (EC) conditions, with frontal and parietal alpha asymmetry and desynchronization indices analyzed in relation to internet use severity (Spearman rank correlations with non-parametric bootstrapping, 5000 replicates; FDR-corrected). For further analysis, participants with the lowest (n = 36) and highest (n = 33) PIUQ-9 scores were classified as low and high PIU groups, respectively, and their neurophysiological profiles were compared (Mann–Whitney U tests). Results: Higher internet use severity was associated with greater right parietal alpha power during EO condition, indicating greater left hemisphere parietal activity among individuals with higher internet engagement. Individuals with higher internet use severity also exhibited reduced absolute frontal and parietal alpha power, while alpha desynchronization was not associated with PIU severity or psychological symptoms. Conclusions: These findings suggest that posterior asymmetry patterns may serve as a neurophysiological correlate of PIU in non-clinical populations, warranting further investigation in future research. Full article

Prolonged stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and two concurrent earthquakes in 2020 increased Internet-based addictive behaviour, leading to decrease in mental health and quality of life (QoL) in the adult Croatian population. This study examined the association between Internet-based addictive behaviour and QoL during prolonged stress (pandemic and earthquakes). Specifically, it explored direct associations between QoL domains and overall/specific Internet use, problematic Internet use (PIU), and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as the indirect role of these symptoms in mediating the relationship between PIU and QoL. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in autumn 2021 with a convenience sample (N = 1004; 82.2% women; M age = 34.98, SD = 12.24). Measures included increased overall and specific Internet use, PIU, stress (Impact of Event Scale), anxiety and depression symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and QoL (WHOQoL-BREF). Structural equation modelling showed that increased Internet use and PIU were directly associated with more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, and with lower QoL. Significant indirect effects were also found: higher PIU, social media use, online shopping, and pornography viewing predicted greater depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, which in turn predicted reduced QoL across multiple domains. These findings suggest that problematic and increased Internet use during periods associated with prolonged stress contribute to lower QoL through elevated psychological distress. Full article

Problematic internet use (PIU) can be defined as internet use that is not well-controlled. The aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire Short Form (PIUQ-SF-6) among Serbian medical students and to examine the prevalence of students at risk of problematic internet use and social, lifestyle, and mental health characteristics associated with it. We conducted a cross-sectional study that included a total of 735 medical students (66.8% female and 33.2% male) attending classes in Social Medicine during the 2023/2024 school year. The instrument used was a questionnaire developed based on the questionnaires in similar studies. A total of 160 students (21.8%) were in the problematic internet use group, and 575 were in the non-problematic internet use group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with PIU as the outcome variable showed an association between PIU and the Patient Health Questionnaire−9 score (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.03–1.16) and impulsivity (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05–1.10). The mental health of medical students, as future health professionals, should be promoted through tailored interventions that are widely accessible and long-lasting. Full article

Theoretical background: The study of psychological well-being in children and adolescents living with chronic illness is of particular relevance, as the physical and psychosocial aspects of the illness can have a significant impact on their quality of life. Previous research has highlighted that depression, nonproductive thoughts and various aspects of problematic internet use may be related to life satisfaction and ways of coping with illness. This study aims to examine how depression, nonproductive thoughts, and problematic internet use interact with illness perception and burden to affect psychological well-being and life satisfaction. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 207 chronically ill children aged 10–18 years. The children, aged between 10 and 18 years old, attended regular check-ups in different specialities (gastroenterology, pulmonology, onco-haematology, and paediatric rehabilitation). A cross-sectional study was carried out using psychological instruments to measure life satisfaction (SWLS), nonproductive thoughts (NPG-K), problematic internet use (PIU-Q), illness perception (PRISM) and illness burden (PRISM-D, IIRS), and depression (BDI-R). Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to explore the associations between variables. Results: Life satisfaction was negatively related to nonproductive thoughts (r = −0.28, p < 0.001), internet obsession (r = −0.20, p < 0.01), and internet neglect (r = −0.20, p = 0.004). Conversely, a positive correlation was found with the PRISM (r = 0.14, p = 0.042), suggesting that less dominance of illness detection is associated with higher life satisfaction. Depression and nonproductive thoughts showed a strong positive relationship (r = 0.49, p < 0.001), and depression and problematic internet use also showed significant correlations for the obsession, neglect and control subscales (r = 0.23–0.29, all p < 0.001). Cluster analysis identified three psychological profiles: ‘positive fighters’, ‘avoidant sufferers’, and ‘negative observers’, distinguished by differences in depression, nonproductive thoughts, illness burden, and well-being. Conclusions: The results suggest that the quality of life of children and adolescents with chronic illness is significantly affected by mental health factors, particularly depression, nonproductive thoughts and problematic internet use. Illness perception and illness-related distress also play a key role in shaping life satisfaction and overall psychosocial well-being. These findings underscore the need for targeted psychological interventions in pediatric chronic care to enhance well-being and promote adaptive coping and suggest that psychological interventions and targeted psychosocial support can significantly improve these children’s quality of life. Further research is needed to explore intervention options and to develop optimal support strategies. Full article

Problematic internet use (PIU) is linked to psychological distress and cognitive alterations, yet its early pre-clinical effects remain unclear. This study explored the psychological, behavioral, and neurophysiological correlates of PIU in a healthy, non-clinical population, focusing on response inhibition and execution within internet use patterns. A total of 133 participants (74 females, aged 18–35) were assessed using PIUQ-9 and DPIU questionnaires, along with measures of anxiety, depression, and obsessive–compulsive symptoms. An auditory equiprobable Go/NoGo task was used and event-related potentials (ERPs; N1/N2/P2/P3) were analyzed in relation to PIU severity and different online activities engagement. Additionally, behavioral, psychological, and neurophysiological profiles of individuals with high and low PIU levels were compared. PIU severity correlated with anxiety, depression, and obsessive–compulsive symptoms, while Go/NoGo task accuracy was unaffected. N1 amplitudes negatively correlated with PIU severity and gaming engagement, suggesting altered early sensory processing. NoGo-P3 latency positively correlated with information search engagement, indicating delayed inhibitory processing in frequent online searchers. High and low PIU groups differed in psychological measures but not in ERP or behavioral measures. Our findings confirm psychological distress in PIU alongside subtle neurophysiological alterations, suggesting that ERP measures in the equiprobable Go/NoGo task may not be highly sensitive PIU risk biomarkers in non-clinical populations. Full article

Introduction/objectives: Brain development changes during adolescence are directly linked to various cognitive and behavioral challenges characteristic of this stage. The main objective of this study is to investigate the risks associated with Internet use and its relationship with Executive Functions (EFs) and anxiety in a representative sample of Spanish secondary school students. Methods: The sample consisted of 1164 participants (48% males) aged 12 to 17 years (M age = 14.86; SD = 1.41) from five selected academic centers. Executive Functions were assessed using the Adolescent and Adult Executive Functioning Questionnaire (ADEXI), anxiety was measured with the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and Problematic Internet Use (PIU) was evaluated with the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Results: Significant positive correlations were found between the PIU, EF, anxiety, and cyberbullying variables. Predictive models were developed to explain the different variables. Conclusions: The results emphasize the need to increase awareness of these issues and to develop effective intervention strategies. Programs that promote responsible Internet use, along with classroom activities addressing anxiety and Executive Functions, could provide clear benefits. Full article

Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Adolescents with ADHD have an elevated risk of developing Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), a condition involving excessive gaming that disrupts daily life. IGD is linked to traits such as low frustration tolerance and sensation-seeking, with comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression further increasing vulnerability. Gaming frequently serves as a coping strategy due to emotional regulation difficulties. The dynamics within family units and peer relationships play a pivotal role, with dysfunctional environments heightening the risks and positive interactions serving as protective factors. Methods: This scoping review analyzed empirical studies published in the last decade exploring the association between ADHD, Problematic Internet Use (PIU), or IGD, focusing on neurobiological, psychological, and environmental factors. Results: The findings highlight that impulsivity and emotional dysregulation in ADHD contribute to IGD. Gaming is frequently used as a maladaptive coping strategy, with social and family influences modulating risk. Diagnostic complexities arise in distinguishing ADHD-related behaviors from IGD symptoms. Conclusions: Addressing these comorbid conditions requires interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based interventions. Future research should focus on understanding ADHD, PIU, or IGD interactions and developing targeted interventions. Longitudinal studies are necessary to establish causal links and assess effective treatment strategies. Full article

The purpose of this network meta-analysis (NMA) is to compare the effect of different non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) on Problematic Internet Use (PIU). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from their inception to 22 December 2023 were searched in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, and WanFang Data. We carried out a data analysis to compare the efficacy of various NPIs using Bayesian NMA. A battery of analyses and assessments, such as conventional meta-analysis and risk of bias, were performed concurrently. Two reviewers extracted data and evaluated bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool independently. We identified 90 RCTs including 15 different NPIs (5986 participants), namely sports intervention (SI), electroencephalogram biological feedback (EBF), reality therapy (RT), positive psychology therapy (PPT), sandplay therapy (ST), educational intervention (EI), compound psychotherapy (CPT), electroacupuncture therapy (AT), group counseling (GC), family therapy (FT), electrotherapy (ELT), craving behavior intervention (CBI), virtual reality therapy (VRT), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and mindfulness therapy (MT). Our NMA results showed that SI, EBF, RT, PPT, ST, EI, CPT, AT, GC, FT, ELT, CBT, CBI, VRT, and MT were effective in reducing PIU levels. The most effective NPI was SI (SMD = −4.66, CrI: −5.51, −3.82, SUCRA = 95.43%), followed by EBF (SMD = −4.51, CrI: −6.62, −2.39, SUCRA = 90.89%) and RT (SMD = −3.83, CrI: −6.01, −1.62, SUCRA = 81.90%). Our study showed that SI was the best NPI to relieve PIU levels in youth. Medical staff should be aware of the application of SI to the treatment of PIU in youth in future clinical care. Full article

Background: The link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and the complexity of their differential diagnosis has been vastly investigated. Growing attention has been paid to the presence of problematic Internet use (PIU) in autistic individuals. Studies assessing OCD traits in autistic individuals are scarce and even less take into account the role that this overlap may have on the development and maintenance of PIU. We aimed to investigate OCD features in ASD individuals and their association with autism severity and the prevalence of PIU, and the potential dimensions associated with a greater probability of PIU. Methods: a total of 46 participants with ASD and 53 controls were assessed with the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum questionnaire and the Obsessive–Compulsive Spectrum—Short Version. Results: There were significantly higher OCD features in ASD participants along with important correlations between OCD and ASD dimensions and a higher prevalence of PIU in the ASD group. Participants with putative PIU reported greater scores on some ASD and OCD dimensions, the with Doubt and Non-verbal communication domains emerging as significant predictors of the presence of putative PIU. Conclusions: These results support the three-way link between ASD, OCD, and PIU, contributing to the hypothesis of a neurodevelopmental basis for those conditions. Full article