What Adolescents Have to Say about Problematic Internet Use: A Qualitative Study Based on Focus Groups

Rollo, Simone; Venuleo, Claudia; Ferrante, Lucrezia; De Luca Picione, Raffaele

doi:10.3390/ijerph20217013

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 79 publications

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“…Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, prolonged Internet activities have been observed in young individuals, yielding adverse effects on both physical and psychological health [11,12]. However, adolescents themselves appear cognisant of the negative consequences associated with excessive engagement in online activities [13]. Results from an Italian survey indicate that distractions during homework (24%), eyes burning (21%), neck/back pain (12%), sleep disturbances (10%), and mood alterations (7%) are among the most commonly reported issues by adolescents [4].…”

Section: Digital Connectivity and Excessive Smartphone Usagementioning

confidence: 99%

Emotional and Behavioural Factors Predisposing to Internet Addiction: The Smartphone Distraction among Italian High School Students

Benedetto,

Rollo,

Cafeo

et al. 2024

IJERPH

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In a digitally oriented society, smartphones provide continual online accessibility to daily life while simultaneously predisposing adolescents to engage in prolonged connections for various purposes, thus escalating the risk of Internet addiction (IA). Cognitive processes such as multitasking and attentional shifting are frequently associated with smartphone activities. Additionally, online engagements may serve as emotional strategies for regulating negative states (e.g., boredom and distress), redirecting attention towards more gratifying activities, such as social media contents. This study delves into cognitive–emotional processes (i.e., emotion regulation, attention impulsiveness, online vigilance, and multitasking) and emotional/behavioural factors (i.e., emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, peer relationships, and prosocial behaviours) that may be implicated in smartphone activities and technology addiction among adolescents. A community sample of Italian high school students (N = 676; 42.2% females) completed the Smartphone Distraction Scale (SDS), the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for internalising/externalising symptoms and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) to assess the presence and severity of IA. The scores on the SDS were found to be positively associated with IA levels. Furthermore, students exhibiting higher internalising/externalising symptoms, particularly those with traits of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are more likely to manifest problematic smartphone usage. The implications for screening adolescents more susceptible to developing IA symptoms and for implementing preventive interventions are discussed.

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Section: Digital Connectivity and Excessive Smartphone Usagementioning

confidence: 99%

Emotional and Behavioural Factors Predisposing to Internet Addiction: The Smartphone Distraction among Italian High School Students

Benedetto,

Rollo,

Cafeo

et al. 2024

IJERPH

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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The influence of technology: Internet gambling among college students

Zhu

2024

Journal of Addictive Diseases

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Sexuality in the digital world: Treatment of a case of dating app addiction

Alparone,

Pozzetti,

Rizzo

2024

Theory & Psychology

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This article explores internet addiction, with a focus on digital devices and dating apps. Using the psychoanalytical conceptualization, we present a clinical case study of a young man struggling with both his sexuality and his addiction to online interactions. The addictive nature of internet use, particularly in relation to sexuality and pornography, is explored, highlighting its pervasive characteristics in contemporary society. Drawing on psychoanalytic theories, we explore the concept of “symptom” as the expression of discontents in civilization, from a Freudian approach, and therefore the impact of symbolic and cultural factors on psychopathological phenomena. The study offers insights into the psychodynamics of various forms of addiction, particularly sexual addiction. The treatment of a case of addiction to dating apps will show how this relationship to sexuality is shaped by social practices disseminated through the internet and social networks. Finally, the psychodynamic underpinnings of internet addiction and its impact, particularly on vulnerable young people, underline the importance of recognising the addictive nature of digital devices in contemporary society. In fact, the patient’s addictive style of enjoyment could be considered as typical of a generalised style of enjoyment in contemporary society. Addiction thus becomes a typical symptomatic trait that excludes the existential lack of the subject.

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What Adolescents Have to Say about Problematic Internet Use: A Qualitative Study Based on Focus Groups

Cited by 4 publications

References 79 publications

Emotional and Behavioural Factors Predisposing to Internet Addiction: The Smartphone Distraction among Italian High School Students

Emotional and Behavioural Factors Predisposing to Internet Addiction: The Smartphone Distraction among Italian High School Students

The influence of technology: Internet gambling among college students

Sexuality in the digital world: Treatment of a case of dating app addiction

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