The digital divide: Risk and protective factors and the differences in problematic use of digital devices among Hungarian youth

Abstract

A number of psychological factors have been found to be relevant in terms of problematic use of digital devices. Some of them may serve as risk factors, while others mean protection. The main goal of present study was to determine user profiles and to examine differences among them based on several psychological variables using cluster analysis. Data were collected from high school and university students via an online questionnaire from November 2017 to January 2018 (N = 249; females: 62.2%, Mean age = 22.5 years, SD = 3.5). Based on bivariate correlations, sensation seeking, flow and boredom proneness acted as risk factors for developing problematic technological use. However, self-esteem, self-regulation and resilience were significant protective factors against problematic technological use. In an effort to develop a set of profiles that would capture this student population and their usage relative to risk, we identified four distinct user profiles through the use of cluster analysis. The first cluster was labeled as strongly protected sensation-seekers who were more prone to problematic use (18.5%) with moderately high levels of protection, but with the highest scores on the boredom proneness and sensation seeking scales. The second cluster consisted of more balanced and non-vulnerable users (26.1%), who achieved average scores on both risk and protective factors scales. The third cluster was labeled protected, conscious users who were slightly prone to problematic use (39.8%) with lower levels of problematic use and risk factors, and with higher levels of protective factors. The fourth cluster was labeled as strongly problematic, unprotected users (15.7%), who achieved the highest scores of problematic use, and were the less protected having the lowest levels of protective factors scores. We conclude that cluster analysis was suitable for detecting differences in vulnerability to problematic Internet and smartphone use. Psychological factors, such as sensation seeking, flow and boredom, self-esteem, self-regulation and resilience serve as useful tools for providing information to better understanding the role of risk and protective factors in the prevention of youth's problematic use of digital devices. Problematic Internet and smartphone useStudies apply the terms 'addiction' and 'problematic use'

How Do Cyber Victimization and Low Core Self-Evaluations Interrelate in Predicting Adolescent Problematic Technology Use?

“…Considering the negative impact caused by inappropriate use of technologies and electronic devices on adolescents’ quality of life and health, several authors have recently shown interest in examining the risk and protective factors involved in the development and maintenance of such use (e.g., [ 11 , 12 ]). Drawing on the compensatory internet use theory [ 13 ], motivations and their antecedents are considered as important factors for the use of online technology.…”

“…Finally, some preliminary findings have found the potential influence of specific dimensions of CSE on problematic technology use. For example, self-esteem [ 52 ] and self-regulation [ 11 ] were significant protective factors against problematic technological use; and neuroticism (as opposite to emotional stability) has been associated to addictive and problematic technology use [ 10 , 53 , 54 , 55 ] among an adolescent population. Therefore, it is expected that adolescents with high CSE will be better able to handle technology use in a responsible and moderate way, even if they have suffered victimization.…”

The Relationship between Children’s School Adaptation, Academic Achievement, Happiness, and Problematic Smartphone Usage: A Multiple Informant Moderated Mediating Model

“…This implies that even with problematic smartphone usage, children with good school adaptation may hold protective factors that may buffer its negative impact. In a similar vein, previous studies have demonstrated that protective factors can neutralize or minimize the negative effect of problematic smartphone usage (e.g., Kiss et al, 2020 ). In other words, children with a high level of school adaptation may have access to factors that buffer the adverse effects of problematic smartphone usage.…”

Stressful life events and problematic internet use in adolescence: Mediation of psychological capital and moderation of school level

“…Results indicated a potential therapeutic role of positivity that decreases internet addiction through its reduction of general distress. Finally, studies have found resilience to be a protective factor of internet addiction in both adults (Hou et al, 2017; Robertson et al, 2018) and adolescents (Kiss et al, 2020; Zhou et al, 2017).…”