Predictors of gaming disorder in children and adolescents: a school-based study

Objective: To determine whether psychiatric and gaming pattern variables are associated with gaming disorder in a school-based sample. Methods: We analyzed data from the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort for Psychiatric Disorders, a community sample aged 10 to 18, using questionnaires on gaming use patterns. We applied the Gaming Addiction Scale to diagnose gaming disorder and the Development and Well-Being Behavior Assessment for other diagnoses. Results: Out of 407 subjects, 83 (20.4%) fulfilled the criteria for gaming disorder. More role-playing game players were diagnosed with gaming disorder that any other genre. Gaming disorder rates increased proportionally to the number of genres played. Playing online, being diagnosed with a mental disorder, and more hours of non-stop gaming were associated with higher rates of gaming disorder. When all variables (including age and gender) were considered in a logistic regression model, the number of genres played, the number of non-stop hours, the proportion of online games, and having a diagnosed mental disorder emerged as significant predictors of gaming disorder. Conclusion: Each variable seems to add further risk of gaming disorder among children and adolescents. Monitoring the length of gaming sessions, the number and type of genres played, time spent gaming online, and behavior changes may help parents or guardians identify unhealthy patterns of gaming behavior.

Smartphone and Facebook addictions share common risk and prognostic factors in a sample of undergraduate students / Dependência de smartphone e dependência de Facebook compartilham fatores de risco e prognósticos em uma amostra de estudantes universitários

Abstract Introduction To improve the comprehension of the interface between smartphone addiction (SA) and Facebook addiction (FA), we hypothesize that the occurrence of both technological addictions correlate, with higher levels of negative consequences. Moreover, we hypothesize that SA is associated with lower levels of social support satisfaction. Methods We recruited a convenience sample of undergraduate students from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, with age ranging between 18 and 35 years. All subjects completed a self-fulfilled questionnaire comprising sociodemographic data, the Brazilian Smartphone Addiction Inventory (SPAI-BR), the Bergen Scale for Facebook Addiction, the Barrat Impulsivity Scale 11 (BIS-11), the Social Support Satisfaction Scale (SSSS), and the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS-8). After completing the questionnaire, the interviewer conducted a Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Results In the univariate analysis, SA associated with female gender, with ages 18 to 25 years, FA, substance abuse disorders, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, low scores in SSSS, high scores in BSSS-8, and high scores in BIS. The group with SA and FA presented a higher prevalence of substance abuse disorders, depression, and anxiety disorders when compared to the group with SA only. Conclusion In our sample, co-occurrence of SA and FA correlated with higher levels of negative consequences and lower levels of social support satisfaction. These results strongly suggest that SA and FA share some elements of vulnerability. Further studies are warranted to clarify the directions of these associations.

Resumo Introdução Para melhorar a compreensão da interface entre dependência de smartphone (DS) e a dependência de Facebook (DF), avaliamos a hipótese de que a ocorrência simultânea de ambas as dependências corelaciona-se com o número de consequências negativas por elas produzidas. Além disso, avaliamos se a DS está associada a níveis mais baixos de satisfação com o suporte social. Método Recrutamos uma amostra de conveniência de estudantes de graduação da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, na faixa de 18 e 35 anos. Todos os sujeitos preencheram o questionário avaliando dados sociodemográficos e contendo a versão brasileira do Smartphone Addiction Inventory, a Escala de Bergen para DF, a Escala de Impulsividade de Barrat 11 (BIS-11), a Escala de Satisfação com o Suporte Social (SSSS) e a Escala Breve de Busca de Sensações (BSSS-8). Após o preenchimento do questionário, os entrevistadores realizaram a Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Resultados Na análise univariada, a DS associou-se ao sexo feminino, pessoas na faixa de idade entre 18 e 25 anos, rastreio para DF, transtornos por uso de substâncias, transtorno depressivo maior, transtornos de ansiedade, baixos escores na SSSS, altos escores na BSSS-8 e altos escores na BIS. O grupo rastreado positivamente para DS e DF apresentou maior prevalência de transtornos por uso de substâncias, depressão e transtornos de ansiedade quando comparado ao grupo rastreado apenas para DS. Conclusão Na amostra avaliada, a comorbidade de DS e DF se correlacionou a níveis mais altos de consequências negativas e níveis mais baixos de satisfação com o suporte social. Esses resultados sugerem que DS e DF compartilham fatores de vulnerabilidade. Estudos adicionais são necessários para esclarecer a direção dessas associações.

Comorbid addictive behaviors in disordered gamblers with psychosis

Objective: While it has been shown that disordered gamblers with psychosis are at increased risk for comorbid psychopathology, it is unclear whether this dual-diagnosis population is also at greater risk of problematic engagement with comorbid addictive behaviors. Methods: We tested for association between disordered gambling with psychosis and comorbid addictive behaviors in a sample of 349 treatment-seeking disordered gamblers. Results: Twenty-five (7.2%) disordered gamblers met criteria for psychosis. Disordered gamblers with psychosis were no more likely to meet diagnostic criteria for current alcohol/substance use disorder than disordered gamblers without psychosis. However, this dual-disorder population reported greater misuse of shopping, food bingeing, caffeine, and prescription drugs. When controlling for multiple comparisons, binge eating was the only addictive behavior to remain significant. Conclusion: Given these findings, a comprehensive assessment of addictive behaviors - specifically food bingeing - in this population may be warranted.

"No sin mi Smartphone": elaboración y validación de la Escala de Dependencia y Adicción al Smartphone (EDAS) / "Not without my Smartphone": development and validation of the Dependency and Addiction to Smartphone Scale (EDAS)

En los últimos años asistimos a la extensión de los Smartphones, cuya funcionalidad y versatilidad los convierten en una herramienta que impacta sobremanera en la vida diaria y las relaciones de sus usuarios. Pese a sus incuestionables ventajas, se observan problemas asociados a su uso problemático, que puede provocar adicción y dependencia. Esto justifica nuestro estudio, cuyo objetivo es la elaboración y validación de una escala que evalúe el uso problemático de las aplicaciones asociadas a los Smartphone, adaptada a la realidad actual, creada y validada en lengua hispana y destinada a población adulta. En la investigación participaron 820 personas, en su mayoría estudiantes de la Universidad de Jaén (España). El rango de edad oscilaba de 18 a 40 años (M = 22,38, Dt = 4,53), siendo un 69,3% mujeres y un 30,7% hombres. Los análisis estadísticos dieron lugar a una herramienta final constituída por 40 ítems y tres componentes.

In recent years, we are witnessing the spread of Smartphones, whose functionality and versatility make them a tool with a noticeable impact in users' daily life and social relatinships. Despite its unquestionable advantages, some problems connected to their problematic use (which can lead to addition and dependence) are observed. Due to it, we decided to undertake the present research, whose main aim is the development and validation of a scale to measure the problematic use of Spartphones applications, adapted to the current reality, created and validated in Spanish language and directed to adults. The study included 820 people, mostly students from the University of Jaén (Spain). The ages ranged from 18 to 40 years (M = 22,38, Dt = 4,53). Regarding gender, 69,3% were women, and the remaining 30,7% were men. Statistical analysis resulted in a final tool comprised of 40 items and three components.

Uso de las tecnologías de información y comunicación en adolescentes de las instituciones educativas públicas del Distrito Mi Perú / Use of information and communication technology by adolescents of public educational institutions at Mi Peru District

Los conocimientos sobre los efectos del uso de las tecnologías de información y comunicación (TIC) en adolescentes aún son insuficientes. Objetivos. Determinar la frecuencia y nivel de consumo de las TIC en estudiantes. Diseño. Estudio transversal. Institución. Tres colegios estatales del distrito Mi Perú, Región Callao, Perú. Participantes. Estudiantes de colegios estatales. Intervenciones. Para medir la frecuencia y nivel de consumo de las TIC se empleó la escala de autoevaluación del Instituto de Adicciones de Madrid Salud, que considera cuatro dimensiones. Principales medidas de resultados. Frecuencia y nivel de consumo de las TIC. Resultados. Se encuestó a 459 sujetos entre 14 y 19 años, 226 (49,2 por ciento) varones y 233 (50,8 por ciento) mujeres. El 40,3 por ciento tenía internet en casa, 55,1 por ciento accedía a cabinas públicas, 33,3 por ciento las usaba diariamente, 43,1 por ciento 2 a 3 veces/semana, 76,5 por ciento se conectaba de 3 a 5 horas/semana. Los usos más frecuentes fueron: redes sociales (87,4 por ciento), descarga de música/video (70,2 por ciento) y buscar información académica (93,2 por ciento). Conclusiones. El 92,6 por ciento de los adolescentes se clasificó como usuario sin problemática y el nivel de uso de las TIC fue bajo...

Knowledge on use of information and communication technology (ICT) effects on adolescents is still insufficient. Objectives: To determine ICT frequency and level of use by students. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Three national schools from Mi Peru district, Callao Region, Peru. Participants: National schools students. Interventions: A Madrid Health Addictions Institute autoevaluation scale was used to determine ICT frequency and level of use; it considers four dimensions. Main outcome measures: Frequency and level of use of ICT. Results: Four hundred and fifty-nine 14 to 19 year-old subjects were surveyed, 226 (49.2 per cent) were male and 233 (50.8 per cent) female; 40.3 per cent had internet at home, 55.1 per cent used public cabins, 33.3 per cent used it daily, 43.1 per cent 2-3 times/week, and 76.5 per cent 3-5 hours/week. Most common uses were social networks (87.4 per cent), downloading music/video (70.2 per cent) and obtaining academic information (93.2 per cent). Conclusions: In the adolescents studied 92.6 per cent were classified as users without problems. Level of TIC use was low...

Craving e dependência de crack: diferenças entre os gêneros / Gender differences in craving among crack cocaine users

A dificuldade de manejo dos sintomas de craving entre indivíduos dependentes de substância aponta para a importância de investigações acerca dos diversos mecanismos que podem influenciar estes sintomas. Diversos estudos sugerem a existência de diferenças entre os gêneros no que se refere a evolução dos sintomas de craving. Objetivo: Comparar os sintomas de craving entre homens e mulheres com dependência de cocaína tipo crack Método: Participaram do estudo 58 indivíduos, sendo 30 mulheres e 28 homens, dependentes de cocaína tipo crack, internados em uma unidade de desintoxicação. Para investigar sintomas de craving utilizou-se o Cocaine Questionnaire Brief (CCQB). Resultados: O grupo de mulheres apresentou maior pontuação no fator 1 da CCQB em relação ao grupo de homens. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos no fator 2 da CCQB. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem maior intensidade dos sintomas de craving associados ao desejo de experienciar novamente os efeitos da substancia em mulheres...

The difficulty of managing symptoms of craving among substance-dependent individuals points to the importance of research on the different mechanisms that can influence these symptoms. Studies suggest that gender differences influence the severity of craving symptoms. Objective: To compare craving symptoms between men and women with crack cocaine-dependence. Methods: Methods: 58 subjects, 30 women and 28 men, were recruited after admission to detoxification treatment facility. Craving symptoms were assessed with Cocaine Brief Questionnaire (CCQB). Assessment of substance use pattern took part in this study. Results: The group of women reported higher scores in factor 1 of CCQB. There were no significant differences between groups in factor 2 of CCQB. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated greater severity of symptoms of craving associated with the desire of experiencing again the substance effects in women...

Avaliação da equivalência semântica da versão em português (Brasil) da Online Cognition Scale / Semantic equivalence of the Brazilian Portuguese-language version of the Online Cognition Scale / Evaluación de equivalencia semántica de la versión portuguesa (Brasil) de la Online Cognition Scale

Este estudo teve por objetivo realizar a avaliação da equivalência semântica da Online Cognition Scale para o português (Brasil). O processo consistiu em cinco etapas: tradução; retrotradução; revisão técnica e avaliação da equivalência semântica por profissionais capacitados; avaliação do instrumento quanto à compreensão verbal por uma amostra de profissionais (n = 10) e estudantes (n = 37). O instrumento foi traduzido e adaptado para o português, apresentando, ao final, excelente nível de compreensão verbal pela população alvo. A versão do instrumento adaptada para uso em nosso meio resultou em um instrumento equivalente do ponto de vista da equivalência semântica e de conteúdo, estando pronto para iniciar o estudo de suas qualidades psicométricas no contexto cultural brasileiro.

This study evaluated the semantic equivalence of the Online Cognition Scale in Brazilian Portuguese. The process included five steps: translation, back-translation, technical review, evaluation of semantic equivalence by trained professionals, and evaluation of the instrument for content understanding by a group of professionals (n = 10) and students (n = 37). The instrument was translated and adapted to Portuguese, showing a high level of verbal comprehension by the target population. The adapted version for use in Brazil resulted in an equivalent instrument from the semantic and content point of view, ready for evaluation of its psychometric qualities in the Brazilian cultural context.

El objetivo de este estudio fue llevar a cabo la evaluación de la equivalencia semántica de la Online Cognition Scale en portugués (Brasil). El proceso consistió en cinco etapas: traducción, retrotraducción, revisión técnica y evaluación de la equivalencia semántica de los profesionales; habilitación de instrumentos como la comprensión verbal por una muestra de profesionales (n = 10) y estudiantes (n = 37). El instrumento fue traducido y adaptado al portugués, con un excelente nivel final de comprensión verbal por parte de la población objetivo. La versión adaptada del instrumento para su uso en nuestro contexto, que dio como resultado un instrumento equivalente desde el punto de vista semántico y del contenido, está lista para que comience el estudio de sus propiedades psicométricas en el contexto cultural brasileño.

Las adicciones no relacionadas a sustancias (DSM-5, APA, 2013): un primer paso hacia la inclusión de las Adicciones Conductuales en las clasificaciones categoriales vigentes / Non-substance related addictions (DSM-5, APA 2013): A first step towards the inclusi¢n of Behavioral Addictions in current categorical classifications

Se evalúan los cambios en la nomenclatura de las Adicciones en el DSM-5 y la inclusión de una nueva categoríadentro de las mismas, a la que denomina “Trastornos no relacionados a sustancias” y con la cual se designa alas llamadas adicciones conductuales. Dentro ella se incluye incluye como única patología aprobada al juegopatológico o ludopatía con un nuevo rótulo: “Trastorno por juego de apuestas”. El inconveniente de tal etiquetadiagnóstica para su aceptación y uso por el público en general es que puede dar lugar al supuesto erróneo de que lapráctica del juego genera siempre enfermedad. Por otro lado, sin embargo, el considerar al juego patológico unaadicción y no un trastorno del control de impulsos ha sido un gran avance. Lamentablemente no fue incluidala “Adicción a Internet” en el nuevo rubro, pese a su enorme y creciente importancia mundial. Se describenademás las características clínicas de esta última enfermedad.

Changes in DSM-5 nomenclature of Addictions are evaluated and commented upon. Particular attention is paid to the inclusi¢n of a new category named “Non-substance related Disorders” which designates the so-called behavioral addictions. The only entity accepted here is pathological gambling or ludopathy, using the new label “Gambling Addiction”. The inconvenience of such label for its acceptance and use by the general public is that it may lead to the erroneous assumption that the practice o gambling can always cause the illness. On the other hand, however, considering pathological gambling as an addiction and not an impulse control disorder constitutes a great step forward. Regrettably “Internet Addiction” has not been included under the new rubric, in spite of its enormous and growing relevance across the world. The clinical characteristics of the latter are described.

Reliability and Validity of the Korean Version of the Internet Addiction Test among College Students

We developed a Korean translation of the Internet Addiction Test (KIAT), widely used self-report for internet addiction and tested its reliability and validity in a sample of college students. Two hundred seventy-nine college students at a national university completed the KIAT. Internal consistency and two week test-retest reliability were calculated from the data, and principal component factor analysis was conducted. Participants also completed the Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire (IADQ), the Korea Internet addiction scale (K-scale), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for the criterion validity. Cronbach's alpha of the whole scale was 0.91, and test-retest reliability was also good (r = 0.73). The IADQ, the K-scale, and depressive symptoms were significantly correlated with the KIAT scores, demonstrating concurrent and convergent validity. The factor analysis extracted four factors (Excessive use, Dependence, Withdrawal, and Avoidance of reality) that accounted for 59% of total variance. The KIAT has outstanding internal consistency and high test-retest reliability. Also, the factor structure and validity data show that the KIAT is comparable to the original version. Thus, the KIAT is a psychometrically sound tool for assessing internet addiction in the Korean-speaking population.

Psychometric properties of the sixth version of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI-6) in Brazil / Propriedades psicométricas da sexta versão da Escala de Gravidade de Dependência (ASI-6) no Brasil

BACKGROUND: There are few research tools in Brazil to assess more broadly the alcohol and other drug related problems. OBJECTIVE: To test the psychometric properties of ASI in its sixth version (ASI-6). METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in four Brazilian state capitals. Four research centers interviewed 150 adult inpatients or outpatients, and one research center interviewed 140 patients. A total of 740 substance abusers were selected. Training and supervision of interviewers were performed to assure the quality of dada collected. RESULTS: Most areas of the ASI showed good reliability between the instrument and the interviewers, with no statistically significant differences between the ASI-6 Summary Scores for Recent Functioning (SS-Rs) of both interviews. Cronbach's alpha for ASI-6 subscales ranged from 0.64 to 0.95. Correlations between the ASI-6 Alcohol and Drug scores and the concurrent instrument (ASSIST) were high (0.72 and 0.89, respectively). There was a significant negative correlation between the scores in psychiatric, medical and drug areas and the scores of WHOQOL. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the psychometric properties of ASI-6 both in outpatients and inpatients in Brazil indicate a good reliability and validity of this instrument for the Brazilian culture. The development of this instrument in Brazil is an important advancement, which will certainly have implications for the prevention, clinical research, and social rehabilitation fields.

INTRODUÇÃO: Existem poucos instrumentos de pesquisa no Brasil que avaliam de forma mais ampla os problemas relacionados ao álcool e a outras drogas. OBJETIVO: Testar as propriedades psicométricas da ASI, em sua sexta versão (ASI-6). MÉTODOS: Um estudo transversal e multicêntrico foi conduzido em quatro capitais de estados brasileiros. Quatro centros de pesquisa entrevistaram 150 pacientes adultos internados ou em tratamento ambulatorial. Foram selecionados um total de 740 abusadores de substâncias. A qualidade dos dados coletados foi assegurada pelo treinamento e supervisão aos entrevistadores. RESULTADOS: A maioria das áreas da ASI mostraram boa confiabilidade entre o instrumento e os entrevistadores, sem diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os Escores Sumários de Funcionamento Recente da ASI-6. O alfa de Cronbach para as subescalas da ASI-6 variou de 0,64 a 0,95. Correlações entre os escores da área Álcool e Drogas da ASI-6 e o instrumento concorrente (ASSIST) foram altas (0,72 e 0,89, respectivamente). Existiu uma correlação negativa estatisticamente significativa entre os escores nas áreas psiquiátrica, médica e drogas, e os escores da WHOQOL. CONCLUSÃO: A análise das propriedades psicométricas da ASI-6 tanto em sujeitos internados quanto em tratamento ambulatorial no Brasil apontam para uma boa confiabilidade e validade deste instrumento para a cultura brasileira.

Adicción a internet: desarrollo y validación de un instrumento en escolares adolescentes de Lima, Perú / Internet addiction: development and validation of an instrument in adolescent scholars in Lima, Perú

Objetivos. Desarrollar y validar un instrumento que permita evaluar el fenómeno de la adicción a Internet (AI) en adolescentes de Lima Metropolitana. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional y analítico, donde incluimos una muestra de 248 adolescentes escolares del primer al quinto año de secundaria. Para evaluar la AI construimos el cuestionario ‘Escala de la Adicción a Internet de Lima’ (EAIL), la cual evalúa características sintomatológicas y disfuncionales. Los ítems resultantes fueron sometidos a un juicio de expertos, determinándose finalmente una escala de once ítems. Resultados. La edad media fue de 14 años. El análisis psicométrico del instrumento presentó un coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach de 0,84, con valores de correlación ítem-total de 0,45 hasta 0,59. El análisis dimensional mostró una estructura de dos dimensiones que explicaba el 50,7 por ciento de la varianza total. El análisis bidimensional mostró asociación significativa (p<0,001) entre la Dimensión I (Sintomatología de AI) y el tiempo de uso semanal, sexo masculino, antecedente de problemas de indisciplina y plan de futuro. La Dimensión II (Disfuncionalidad por AI) se asoció significativamente (p<0,001) al antecedente de problemas de indisciplina, plan de futuro y faltar sin motivo justificable a la escuela. Conclusiones. La EAIL presentó una buena consistencia interna, con correlaciones moderadas y significativas entre sus ítems. Los hallazgos evidencian que la adicción cumple un papel dinámico que pone en manifiesto una alteración que involucra en su génesis patrones de familia y entornos sociales inadecuados.

Objectives. To develop and validate an instrument to assess Internet Addiction (IA) phenomenon in adolescents of Metropolitan Lima. Materials and methods. We performed an observational analytical study, including a sample of 248 high school adolescent students. In order to evaluate the IA, we constructed the questionnaire: "Scale for Internet Addiction of Lima" (SIAL), which assesses symptoms and dysfunctional characteristics. The resulting items were submitted to experts’ judgment, finally obtaining a 11-item scale. Results. The mean age was 14 years old. The psychometric analysis of the instrument showed a Cronbach’ Alpha Coefficient of 0.84, with values of item-total correlation ranging from 0.45 to 0.59. The dimensional analysis yielded a two-dimensional structure that explained up to 50.7 percent of the total variance. The bi-dimensional data analysis revealed a significant association (p<0,001) between Dimension I (symptoms of IA) and the weekly time spent on the Internet, male sex, past history of bad behavior in school and plans for the future. Dimension II (dysfunction due to IA) had a significant association to past history of bad behavior, plans for the future (p<0,001) and missing school without valid reasons. Conclusions. The SIAL showed a good internal consistency, with moderate and significant inter-item correlations. The findings show that addiction has a dynamic role, which evidences a problem generated in family patterns and inadequate social networks.

Redes sociales virtuales y la Bioética / Virtual social networks and bioethics

La investigación tiende a indagar por las condiciones psicológicas (obsesivas), socio – familiares, fisiológicas y emocionales de los estudiantes de la Universidad de San Buenaventura –Medellín de mes de agosto de 2010, que tienden a destinar parte de su tiempo a las Redes Sociales Virtuales y hacer una reflexión desde la Bioética frente al tema

This piece of research tends to inquire into the (obsessive) psychological, socio-family, physiological, and emotional conditions of the students at Saint Bonaventure University, Medellin Branch, back in the month of August 2010, who have the tendency to spend their free time in the Virtual Social Networks and then make an analysis of this issue, from the Bioethical viewpoint

Estudio piloto sobre uso de internet en adolescentes de Santiago: resumen / Pilot study about internet use in adolescent of santiago: summary

A partir del año 2006, el equipo docente de la unidad de psiquiatría infanto juvenil de la Clínica psiquiátrica Universitaria de la Universidad de Chile (PCUCh) introduce en el programa de formación de los especialistas el desarrollo de un trabajo de investigación a realizarse en el periodo de los tres años de especialización, con el fin de realizar investigación clínica y aportar en el avance del entendimiento de la salud mental de los niños y adolescentes. El presente artículo muestra un marco teórico sobre la magnitud del problema y parte de los avances del trabajo de investigación realizado durante la formación. El objetivo es evaluar y caracterizar, a través de una muestra que representa de forma parcial a jóvenes pertenecientes a establecimientos educacionales de la Región Metropolitana, la penetración del uso de Internet, el perfil de su uso y la presencia de uso problemático a través de la utilización de la escala de adicción a Internet de Young. Este trabajo pretende dar inicio a una nueva área de investigación en la población chilena, ya que si bien hay estudios internacionales sobre el uso de Internet, en Chile aún no hay ninguna investigación que evalúe cómo afecta este recurso tecnológico en los adolescentes de nuestra población.

In year 2006 an academic team from the child-youth Psychiatric Unit - Psychiatric Clinic of the Universidad de Chile (PCUCh) begins an investigation in the Specialties Training Program, in order to be finished by the end of the three years of specialization. The objectives of this studies were both doing clinic research and contributing to the understanding of children and young people’s mental health. This article shows the theoretical framework concerning this issue and is a part of the work done during those years. The aim of the research is to assess and characterize the internet penetration, user profile and the presence of troubling use, measuring this last variable through Young’s Internet Addiction Scale. With a sample that partially represents young people from Region Metropolitan, the major district of Chile’s capital. This article looks forward to start a new researching topic in Chilean people, due to the fact that, even though there is some international evidence, Chilean researchers have not raise the issue before.