The emergence of information and communication technologies (ICT) has generated a number of research questions, related to their use and potential risk, but also potentials for prevention or health promotion. Online social networks have become an important source of information for users as well as a tool for social relations. As traditional social networks, they can act as vehicles to improve the health of adolescents and youth, as well as play a key role in an educational context. The aim of this work is then to explore the theoretical relevance of ICT, particularly on online social networks, on disease prevention and health promotion of communicable diseases. Literature review points out the role of online social networks, particularly in the field of sexual health, body image, especially eating habits and overweight, as well as smoking and alcohol dependence. Data allow us to understand how online social network behavior and interaction is related to their burden and interventions developed in sexual health and addiction show positive results. More efforts in body image are needed in order to use these tools for prevention and promotion of health from early age.

Las redes sociales se han convertido en muy pocos años en un instrumento de influencia y comunicación en todos los rangos de edad. Los preadolescentes y adolescentes siguen siendo el grupo más vulnerable porque carecen de estrategias para defenderse de determinadas agresiones de este medio. Los canales de información y formación para el manejo de las redes sociales siguen siendo aún escasas y controvertidas y su poder de influencia social se evidencia en diferentes ámbitos de la sociedad, generando corrientes de opinión y modificación de actitudes y creencias. La gran versatilidad y facilidad de utilización, las convierte en instrumentos de uso continuado. Tenemos que añadir al proceso el desconocimiento por parte de los padres de cómo educar a los hijos en su uso, teniendo en cuenta que existe una brecha digital bastante pronunciada. Los estados emocionales en este grupo de edad se encuentran en continuo desarrollo y cualquier incidente puede repercutir positiva o negativamente en su configuración y, por otra parte, las consecuencias de un uso abusivo de las mismas, puede conllevar una conducta de adicción. En este trabajo pretendemos abordar, a partir de la revisión de la literatura y desde un punto de vista teórico, la influencia de las redes sociales virtuales en el comportamiento emocional de los jóvenes y su posible relación con el proceso de adicción

ResumenOne of the emerging topics in behavioral additions are social networks and particularly the addiction to

No abstract

Some events are drivers for a change in the way we live life. When these events are not controllable, as has been the case with the coronavirus pandemic, everything is precipitated and the mechanisms of change are accelerated regardless of the type of culture, society, or economy in which they take place. Possibly it is the circumstances that directly affect the health of the population that are the most critical and are the ones that cause the greatest concern and change. This is the first time in history that we have had the opportunity to study lockdown behavior at a global level, analyzing how it affects citizens’ way of life. The most widespread restrictions in most countries of the world have revolved around increasing physical distance, lockdowns (total, by districts, or by specific areas), curfews (variable depending on the severity of the situation of each place), mandatory isolation in the case of testing positive for the infection, the suppression of all kinds of activities (cultural, sports, leisure), and the promotion of remote working to avoid, as much as possible, being in contact with others. The two main characteristics of mandatory isolation are, on the one hand, complete physical isolation from family and friends and, on the other, the absolute restriction of free movement. Both measures, also being combined with other factors, can generate significant changes in the levels of anxiety and stress of confined people. This is due to these people experiencing emotions of fear regarding illness and death, the possible loss of their jobs, the consequent economic problems, and the probability of increasing their level of being sedentary as a result of not being able to go outside to exercise. In this study, we propose, from a theoretical point of view, the precedents and consequences of lockdown behavior regarding the dimensions that we consider fundamental in people's lives. We analyze how lockdown influences lifestyle, from eating habits to sleeping patterns, digital behavior, physical activity, and emotional state, reaching the theoretical conclusion that all of these aspects can be significantly altered.