Internet addiction, sleeping habits and psychological distress in Brazilian adolescents and young adults.

BACKGROUND: The internet is widespread in modern society and has raised concerns about excessive usage and its consequences for different aging groups. OBJECTIVE: This study explores the relationships between internet addiction, sleep patterns, and psychological distress in adolescents and young adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to assess this phenomenon, an exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Brazil from October to December 2023. A questionnaire, administered via Google Forms, collected data from 618 participants aged 15-36. The participants consisted of a non-probabilistic community sample selected based on convenience criteria. Instruments included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Internet Addiction Test, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and Social Media Engagement Questionnaire. RESULTS: It was categorized 48.1% as having moderate internet addiction, and classified 0.8% as having severe internet addiction. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between internet addiction and depression, anxiety, and stress. Logistic regression identified internet addiction and overall psychological distress as predictors of sleep difficulties, along with unemployment status. The findings highlight the detrimental impact of excessive internet use on sleep quality and mental health. The bidirectional relationship between internet addiction and psychological distress underscores the complex interplay between these variables. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the urgent need for interventions targeting internet addiction and its associated consequences in adolescents and young adults. Addressing internet addiction levels and promoting healthy internet usage habits are crucial steps in mitigating the adverse effects on mental health and sleep quality. There is a need for targeted interventions, protocols, and preventive measures to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive internet use on mental health and sleep quality. Public health strategies should include IA and its consequences in health programs with multidisciplinary approaches and protocols for treatments for behavioral addictions. The study emphasizes the multifaceted nature of internet addiction and its implications for mental health and sleep patterns.

Problematic Internet Use and Personality Traits: Results in Working Age Adults.

INTRODUCTION: Problematic Internet use has become a growing problem worldwide; several factors, including personality, play an essential role in understanding this disorder. The Big Five personality traits and their association with problematic Internet use were examined in a large and diverse population. METHODS: A survey was applied to a total of 1,109 adults of working age. Each answered the Big Five Inventory and the Internet Addiction Test. RESULTS: Problematic Internet use was found in 10.6% of them (n=112). The personality traits extraversion and openness to experience were significantly associated with those with the disorder. With adjustment models, a positive association was found between these traits and being single and higher education. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest of its kind in the Spanish-speaking population, highlighting the importance of recognising the factors involved in problematic Internet use.

Internet addiction and depression: a study among adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of our study is to determine the level of Internet addiction (IA) in adolescents by utilizing the IA scale. METHODS: We employed two tools: the IA test (IAT) and the beck depression inventory (BDI), complemented by a sociodemographic information form, to assess IA and depression levels. RESULTS: A total of 201 participants were included. A positive correlation was found between daily Internet usage time and IAT scores (r = 0.388, p < 0.001) and between BDI scores and IAT scores (r = 0.161, p = 0.013). Females had a lower mean IAT score (63.56 ± 28.08) (p < 0.001). The BDI scores varied significantly across the groups (p = 0.004). The mean BDI scores were higher in the severe addiction group (13.53 ± 7.15) compared to the moderate (11.04 ± 6.62), mild (10.11 ± 5.38), and normal usage groups (9.28 ± 5.54). A significant difference was found in gender distribution across the groups (p = 0.001). The presence of suicidal ideation differed significantly across the groups (p = 0.002). The presence of depression showed a significant difference (p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals a significant correlation between increased Internet usage and heightened levels of IA and depression among adolescents, with notable gender differences in IA severity.

OBJETIVO: Determinar el nivel de adicción a internet en adolescentes utilizando una escala de adicción a internet. MÉTODO: Nuestro estudio involucró a 201 estudiantes con adicción a internet. Empleamos dos herramientas, la IAT (internet addiction test) y el BDI (beck depression inventory), que se complementaron con un formulario de información sociodemográfica, para evaluar los niveles de adicción a internet y de depresión. RESULTADOS: Se encontró una correlación positiva entre el tiempo diario de uso de internet y las puntuaciones del IAT (r = 0.388; p < 0.001), así como entre las puntuaciones del BDI y del IAT (r = 0.161; p = 0.013). Las mujeres tuvieron una puntuación media más baja en el IAT (p < 0.001). Las puntuaciones del BDI variaron significativamente entre los grupos (p = 0.004). Las puntuaciones medias del BDI fueron más altas en el grupo de adicción grave en comparación con los grupos de adicción moderada y de uso normal. Se encontró una diferencia significativa en la distribución por sexo entre los grupos (p = 0.001). La presencia de ideación suicida difirió significativamente entre los grupos (p = 0.002). La presencia de depresión mostró una diferencia significativa (p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONES: Nuestro estudio revela una correlación significativa entre mayor uso de internet y niveles elevados de adicción y depresión en adolescentes, con diferencias de sexo notables en la gravedad de la adicción.

Problematic Internet Use and Personality Traits: Results in Working Age Adults / Uso problemático de internet y rasgos de personalidad: resultados en adultos en edad laboral

ABSTRACT Introduction: Problematic Internet use has become a growing problem worldwide; several factors, including personality, play an essential role in understanding this disorder. The Big Five personality traits and their association with problematic Internet use were examined in a large and diverse population. Methods: A survey was applied to a total of 1,109 adults of working age. Each answered the Big Five Inventory and the Internet Addiction Test. Results: Problematic Internet use was found in 10.6% of them (n = 112). The personality traits extraversion and openness to experience were significantly associated with those with the disorder. With adjustment models, a positive association was found between these traits and being single and higher education. Conclusions: This study represents the largest of its kind in the Spanish-speaking population, highlighting the importance of recognizing the factors involved in problematic Internet use.

RESUMEN Introducción: El uso problemático de internet es un problema creciente en todo el mundo; múltiples factores, como la personalidad, tienen un papel esencial en la comprensión de esta entidad. Los 5 grandes factores de personalidad y su asociación con el uso problemático de internet se evaluaron en una población grande y diversa. Métodos: Se aplicó una encuesta a un total de 1.109 adultos en edad productiva. Cada uno contestó el Inventario Big Five y el Internet Addiction Test. Resultados: Se encontró uso problemático de internet en el 10,6% de ellos (n = 112). En cuanto a rasgos de personalidad, la extroversión y la apertura a experiencias se asociaron significativamente con el uso problemático. Con modelos de ajuste, estos rasgos tuvieron una asociación positiva con no tener pareja y una educación superior. Conclusiones: Este estudio representa el más amplio de su tipo en población hispanohablante y destaca la importancia de reconocer los factores que intervienen en el uso problemático de internet.

Relationships between internet addiction, quality of life and sleep problems: a structural equation modeling analysis

Abstract Objective: To assess the relationship between internet addiction, quality of life, and sleep problems among adolescents. Method: This research was conducted with a representative sample of 875 adolescents. This cross-sectional study used the Internet Addiction Test, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ version 4.0, Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale, and sleep duration. Sociodemographic factors were also analyzed. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate relationships between variables. Results: After adjusting the model for covariances between the latent variables of daytime sleepiness and correlations between the physical and emotional domains of quality of life, the authors obtained satisfactory fit indices (RMSEA = 0.031, CFI = 0.926, TLI = 0.909, SRMR = 0.058). Internet addiction was positively associated with daytime sleepiness (rho = 0.549, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with quality of life (rho = -0.173, p < 0.001). By contrast, sleep duration was negatively associated with daytime sleepiness (rho = -0.089, p = 0.007), positively associated with quality of life (rho = 0.105, p = 0.014), and dependent on school shift (rho = 0.453, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Adolescents with higher levels of internet addiction had lower perceptions of quality of life and higher daytime sleepiness. Moreover, sleep duration had a positive correlation with quality of life. Given its detrimental effects on quality of life and daytime sleepiness, parents should better supervise internet use in adolescents.

Cross-Cultural Examination of Problematic Internet Use and Associated Psychological Variables: A Comparative Study in Italy, Spain, Ecuador, and Peru.

Background: Several studies focused on the escalating prevalence of Problematic Use of Internet (PUI) and its consequential impact on mental health globally. This study investigates the relationship between PUI and associated psychological variables across different cultural contexts in Italy, Spain, Ecuador, and Peru. Method: A total of 675 participants, aged 18 to 54 (M = 22.73; SD = 4.05), completed measures assessing Internet addiction, social media addiction, Fear of Missing Out, Internet Gaming Disorder, and Phubbing. Results: Significant cultural variations were found, with Italian participants showing higher levels of Internet addiction but lower levels of social media addiction compared to other countries. Fear of Missing Out was higher in Italy, while the Italian sample exhibited lower Internet Gaming Disorder levels compared to Peru. As regards the communication disturbance caused by Phubbing, the Italian sample demonstrated significantly higher scores than the Peruvian sample. Linear regression analyses revealed distinct predictors for problematic Internet use in each country, emphasizing the importance of considering the cultural context in understanding this phenomenon. Conclusions: These findings contribute valuable insights into the interplay of cultural factors, psychological variables, and problematic Internet use, guiding future research and interventions.

Psychometric validation of the internet related experiences questionnaire and mobile related experiences questionnaire among Ecuadorian teenagers.

Introduction: Excessive internet and mobile cell phone use has been increasing in recent years especially in teenagers who are a vulnerable population. However, there is a lack of psychometric evaluation of instruments that allow to identify behavior regarding problematic use of the internet and cell phones in the Latin America, particularly in Ecuador. The main aim of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of two instruments: the Internet-related experiences questionnaire (IREQ) and Mobile-related experiences questionnaire (MREQ) in high school students (n = 4, 174, M age = 15.63; 51.19% male and 48.37% female). Methods: The validation process was performed using one and two factors for both questionnaires according to previous literature. After checking the models proposed to date, the best fit model was the one-factor model for (IREQ) and one-factor model for (MREQ). Results and discussion: The invariance was performed using two samples according to gender (male, female) and has been confirmed with an acceptable internal consistency for both questionnaires. For IREQ (All, ω = 0.80; Male, ω = 0.77; Female, ω = 0.82) and for MREQ (All, ω = 0.83; Male, ω = 0.82; Female, ω = 0.84). In addition, we performed the correlation analysis between IREQ, MREQ, and socio-demographic variables and finally, both instruments demonstrated strong psychometric qualities within the local population.

Functional connectivity alterations in individuals with gaming disorder assessed by functional magnetic resonance imaging: a systematic review.

Neuroimaging has continually advanced, playing a crucial role in the accurate diagnosis of various brain pathologies and disorders. This integrative review aimed to identify the main changes in brain connections found in fMRI scans of individuals with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). The data collection method involved searching for the terms "Magnetic Resonance Imaging", "Psychological Dependence" and "Internet Addiction Disorder" in the PubMed and Embase databases. Studies published between 2020 and January 2023 were included and manually analyzed through the virtual environment created in the "Rayyan" software, compiling a total of 18 scientific studies. The main findings reveal changes such as significant increases or decreases in functional connectivity in certain regions of the brain. Some potential negative impacts on the uncontrolled use of technologies among the young population were evaluated, such as the loss of inhibitory control in decision-making, transforming leisure into dependence, and although the IGD understands the associated risks and harms, it faces difficulties in resisting the desire to stop playing. This situation emphasizes the need for more long-term studies that can be comparative between different age groups. Conclusion, the brain regions with the most significant changes in functional connectivity in individuals with IGD symptoms are the prefrontal cortex, fronto-parietal regions, frontal gyrus, insula lobe, cingulate cortex and striatum. The lack of comprehensive knowledge about the effects of video game addiction across different age groups is a significant concern. Therefore, it is essential to carry out research that evaluates the impact of these technologies on different stages of human development.

The cycle of solitude and avoidance: a daily life evaluation of the relationship between internet addiction and symptoms of social anxiety.

A consistent association has been observed between internet addiction and symptoms of social anxiety. However, there is a lack of empirical research that delves into potential explanations for this relationship and its directionality, making it difficult to translate findings into development of interventions for social anxiety that account for technology-related behaviors. The present study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal dynamics between internet addiction, symptoms of social anxiety, avoidance of social interactions, and using the internet to cope with loneliness. By means of an ecological momentary assessment study, we evaluated a sample of 122 young adults from Chile using intensive self-report measurements five times a day, for a period of 10 days. Using mixed-effects models, we examined the directionality between internet addiction and symptoms of social anxiety, together with an explanation of their relationship. Results indicate that internet addiction antecedes symptoms of social anxiety; however, the reverse relationship was not observed. Furthermore, instances where individuals avoided social interactions or used the internet to cope with loneliness were predictive of later increases in levels of internet addiction, suggesting a vicious cycle. Significant heterogeneity was observed in these effects, highlighting the need for a more personalized approach when including technology-related behaviors in social anxiety interventions. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

Relationships between internet addiction, quality of life and sleep problems: a structural equation modeling analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between internet addiction, quality of life, and sleep problems among adolescents. METHOD: This research was conducted with a representative sample of 875 adolescents. This cross-sectional study used the Internet Addiction Test, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ version 4.0, Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale, and sleep duration. Sociodemographic factors were also analyzed. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate relationships between variables. RESULTS: After adjusting the model for covariances between the latent variables of daytime sleepiness and correlations between the physical and emotional domains of quality of life, the authors obtained satisfactory fit indices (RMSEA = 0.031, CFI = 0.926, TLI = 0.909, SRMR = 0.058). Internet addiction was positively associated with daytime sleepiness (rho = 0.549, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with quality of life (rho = -0.173, p < 0.001). By contrast, sleep duration was negatively associated with daytime sleepiness (rho = -0.089, p = 0.007), positively associated with quality of life (rho = 0.105, p = 0.014), and dependent on school shift (rho = 0.453, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with higher levels of internet addiction had lower perceptions of quality of life and higher daytime sleepiness. Moreover, sleep duration had a positive correlation with quality of life. Given its detrimental effects on quality of life and daytime sleepiness, parents should better supervise internet use in adolescents.

Adolescent Screen Use: Problematic Internet Use and the Impact of Gender.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between screen use and problematic internet use (PIU; i.e., internet addiction) amongst adolescents has not been sufficiently explored. Further, there is even less research on how gender is associated with this relationship. The goal of the study was to examine adolescent screen use, PIU, and its impact on day-to-day routines of adolescents. METHODS: Participants were recruited from an outpatient pediatric clinic in São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 180 adolescents completed questionnaires related to their screen use, extracurricular activities, and symptoms of PIU. Univariate and multivariate statistics were used to determine correlates and predictors of PIU, and to explore gender differences. RESULTS: A total of 26.1% of adolescents met the criteria for PIU. There were no significant differences between boys and girls in PIU severity. However, there were significant gender differences in preferred use of the Internet, with boys being more likely to access the Internet to play video games (odds ratio [OR]=27.1) and girls being more likely to socialize with friends (OR=4.51). PIU severity increased proportionally to the number of hours of use of all screen devices with moderate-to-large effect sizes (η2=0.060-0.157). Using screens during meals and missing extracurricular activities were both associated with PIU. CONCLUSION: Though gender was not associated with PIU, both excessive use of screen devices during meals and neglect of offline extracurriculars activities were identified as risk factors for PIU. Prevention measures should consider the impact of gender and associated patterns of motivation and Internet use.

The association between gaming disorder and impulsivity: A systematic review / Associação entre transtornos por jogos eletrônicos e impulsividade: uma revisão sistemática

Objective Impulsivity has been robustly linked to various addictions, including behavioral addictions. This systematic review aimed to investigate possible relationships between impulsivity and gaming disorder. Method A total of 1,710 empirical studies, without date or language restrictions, were retrieved from Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, PsycNET, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. In total, 16 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included for extraction, quantitative analysis, and integrative synthesis. Results Overall, a positive association was observed between gaming disorder and both self-reported measures of impulsivity and behavioral measures of impulsivity. Gaming disorder was associated with the presence of high-risk trends, high sensitivity to rewards, reduced inhibitory control, and low self-control among video game players. Conclusion The present systematic review provides preliminary support for the robust association between impulsivity and gaming disorder. However, given the methodological heterogeneity in assessment instruments and statistical procedures, the identified association should be interpreted cautiously.

Objetivo A impulsividade tem estado fortemente ligada a vários tipos de dependência, incluindo as dependências comportamentais. Esta revisão sistemática visou investigar possíveis relações entre a impulsividade e o transtorno por jogos eletrônicos. Método Um total de 1.710 estudos empíricos, sem restrições de data ou linguagem, foram recuperados das bases de dados Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, PsycNET, Scopus, e Web of Science. No total, 16 estudos preencheram os critérios de inclusão e foram incluídos para extração, análise quantitativa, e síntese integrativa. Resultados Observou-se uma associação positiva entre o transtorno por jogos eletrônicos e as medidas de impulsividade e de comportamento de impulsividade autorrelatadas. O transtorno por jogos eletrônicos foi associado à presença de tendências de alto risco, alta sensibilidade às recompensas, controle inibitório reduzido, e baixo autocontrole entre os jogadores. Conclusão A presente revisão fornece apoio preliminar para uma associação robusta entre a impulsividade e o transtorno por jogos eletrônicos. Contudo, dada a heterogeneidade metodológica nos instrumentos de avaliação e procedimentos estatísticos, esta associação deve ser interpretada com cautela.

Internet addiction, sleeping habits and psychological distress in Brazilian adolescents and young adults

Abstract Background The internet is widespread in modern society and has raised concerns about excessive usage and its consequences for different aging groups. Objective This study explores the relationships between internet addiction, sleep patterns, and psychological distress in adolescents and young adults. Materials and methods In order to assess this phenomenon, an exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Brazil from October to December 2023. A questionnaire, administered via Google Forms, collected data from 618 participants aged 15-36. The participants consisted of a non-probabilistic community sample selected based on convenience criteria. Instruments included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Internet Addiction Test, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and Social Media Engagement Questionnaire. Results It was categorized 48.1% as having moderate internet addiction, and classified 0.8% as having severe internet addiction. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between internet addiction and depression, anxiety, and stress. Logistic regression identified internet addiction and overall psychological distress as predictors of sleep difficulties, along with unemployment status. The findings highlight the detrimental impact of excessive internet use on sleep quality and mental health. The bidirectional relationship between internet addiction and psychological distress underscores the complex interplay between these variables. Conclusions This study underscores the urgent need for interventions targeting internet addiction and its associated consequences in adolescents and young adults. Addressing internet addiction levels and promoting healthy internet usage habits are crucial steps in mitigating the adverse effects on mental health and sleep quality. There is a need for targeted interventions, protocols, and preventive measures to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive internet use on mental health and sleep quality. Public health strategies should include IA and its consequences in health programs with multidisciplinary approaches and protocols for treatments for behavioral addictions. The study emphasizes the multifaceted nature of internet addiction and its implications for mental health and sleep patterns.

The relationship between emotional eating disorders and problematic internet use in university students: the mediating role of mukbang behavior

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of watching mukbang on eating behavior and to emphasize its importance. METHODS: Students from various faculties at universities constitute the sample for this study. A total of 483 individuals participated in the study: 358 (74.1%) women and 125 (25.9%) men. The age range of the sample group varies between 18 and 50 years (Mage=21.62; SD=3.85). In our study, the Emotional Eating Disorder Scale, the Mukbang Addiction Scale, and the Problematic Internet Use Scale were used. Reliability analysis, descriptive statistics, and correlational analysis of the data were carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics 24. RESULTS: There appears to be a positive relationship between emotional eating, mukbang addiction, and problematic internet use. A positive relationship was also found between emotional eating and mukbang addiction. It was found that mukbang addiction had a partial mediator role in the effect of problematic internet use on emotional eating. CONCLUSION: In the relationship between problematic internet use and emotional eating, mukbang addiction has played a mediating role. Therefore, when conducting a study between emotional eating and problematic internet use, it may be useful to examine the frequency of mukbang watching behavior in individuals. It can be crucial to include these people in educational programs to control problematic internet use or the habit of watching mukbang.

Relationships between internet addiction, smartphone addiction, sleep quality, and academic performance among high-school students

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationships between Internet addiction, smartphone addiction, sleep quality, and academic success. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, high-school students were surveyed to evaluate sleep quality, Internet addiction, and smartphone addiction. Students were queried about their demographics, and grade averages from the previous term were taken as an indicator of academic success. RESULTS: A total of 1,959 students were enrolled in this study, with 1,034 (52.8%) girls and 925 (47.2%) boys, and the median age of the participants was 16 (13-21) years. Multivariate analyses found that poor sleep quality in students who did not have breakfast before going to school was 1.58 times higher than those who did (p<0.001). Students who stayed in a dormitory had 1.79 times more poor sleep quality than those who stayed with their family, and a one-unit increase in the total score of the Young's Internet Addiction Test short form resulted in a 1.08-fold increase (both, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study has shown that students' sleep quality was predicted to be lower if they stayed in a dormitory and skipped breakfast. In addition, Internet and smartphone addictions have a negative effect on sleep quality and academic performance.

Gaming Disorder em Minorias Sexuais e de Gênero / Gaming Disorder in sexual and gender minorities / Trastorno de juego en minorías sexuales y de género

ntrodução: Os jogos eletrônicos são agora reconhecidos como um problema de saúde mental, especialmente entre a comunidade LGBTQIA+. Objetivo: explorar os efeitos do transtorno de jogo (gaming disorder) na população LGBTQIA+. Método: A revisão narrativa abordou hábitos de jogo e gaming disorder em minorias sexuais e de gênero, usando PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase e Web of Science. Das 1640 pesquisas, apenas 3 abordaram gaming disorder nessa população. Resultado: consumidores LGBTQ+ gastam mais em jogos digitais. Jogadores LGBTQIA+ consomem mais jogos de exploração de identidade, possivelmente relacionados ao estresse de minoria. Discussão: minorias sexuais têm maior risco de gaming disorder. Para indivíduos LGBTQIA+, os jogos podem servir como escape e plataforma de apoio, mas o uso problemático pode estar associado a desfechos psiquiátricos negativos. Conclusão: Os jogos online têm o potencial de serem ferramentas de apoio para minorias, no entanto, as evidências são limitadas. É necessária mais pesquisa para compreender melhor a relação entre o uso de jogos e a saúde mental da população LGBTQIA+.

ntroduction: Electronic games are now recognized as a mental health issue, especially within the LGBTQIA+ community. Objective: To explore the effects of gaming disorder in the LGBTQIA+ population. Method: The narrative review addressed gaming habits and gaming disorder in sexual and gender minorities, utilizing PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Web of Science. Out of 1640 studies, only 3 focused on gaming disorder in this population. Result: LGBTQ+ consumers spend more on digital games. LGBTQIA+ players engage more in identity exploration games, possibly linked to minority stress. Discussion: Sexual minorities face a higher risk of gaming disorder. For LGBTQIA+ individuals, games can serve as an escape and support platform, but problematic use may be associated with negative psychiatric outcomes. Conclusion: Online games have the potential as support tools for minorities, but evidence is limited. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between game use and mental health in the LGBTQIA+ population.

Introducción: Los videojuegos electrónicos son reconocidos actualmente como un problema de salud mental, especialmente dentro de la comunidad LGBTQIA+. Objetivo: Explorar los efectos del trastorno de juego (gaming disorder) en la población LGBTQIA+. Método: La revisión narrativa abordó los hábitos de juego y el gaming disorder en minorías sexuales y de género, utilizando PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase y Web of Science. De las 1640 investigaciones, solo 3 se centraron en el gaming disorder en esta población. Resultado: Los consumidores LGBTQ+ gastan más en juegos digitales. Los jugadores LGBTQIA+ consumen más juegos de exploración de identidad, posiblemente relacionados con el estrés de minoría. Discusión: Las minorías sexuales enfrentan un mayor riesgo de gaming disorder. Para los individuos LGBTQIA+, los juegos pueden servir como un escape y plataforma de apoyo, pero el uso problemático puede estar asociado con resultados psiquiátricos negativos. Conclusión: Los juegos en línea tienen el potencial como herramientas de apoyo para las minorías, pero la evidencia es limitada. Se requiere más investigación para comprender mejor la relación entre el uso de juegos y la salud mental en la población LGBTQIA+.

Internet addiction and mental health disorders in high school students in a Peruvian region: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between internet addiction disorder (IAD) and anxiety and depressive symptomatology in high school students in two private schools in Chiclayo, Peru, during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional investigation of 505 adolescents from two private schools. The dependent variables were anxiety and depressive symptomatology, measured with the Beck Adapted Depression Questionnaire (BDI-IIA) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), respectively. The main independent variable was IAD, measured with the Internet Addiction Test instrument(IATI). Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated. RESULTS: The average age was 14.16 years and 54.9% were women. 22.2% and 3.2% presented mild and moderate IAD; respectively. 9.3% presented severe anxiety and 34.3% severe depressive symptomatology. In the simple regression, adolescents with mild, moderate and severe IAD presented 19% (PR = 1.19; 95%CI: 1.05-1.35), 25% (PR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.02-1.53) and 53% (PR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.47-1.60) higher prevalence of depressive symptomatology; however, this association was not maintained in the multiple model. Anxiety increased 196% in adolescents with severe IAD (PR = 2.96; 95%CI: 1.86-4.71). CONCLUSION: We found that 2, 1, and 3 out of 10 students presented IAD, depressive symptomatology, and anxiety, respectively. We did not find an association between IAD and depressive symptomatology, but we did find an association with anxiety. Among the factors associated with the development of depressive symptomatology were the male sex, the presence of eating disorders, subclinical insomnia, using devices for more than 2 h, and using the Internet for academic activities. About anxiety, the associated factors are the female sex, the presence of eating disorders, subclinical insomnia, and the use of the Internet as social interaction. We recommend implementing counseling programs in view of the imminent introduction of the Internet as a pillar in education.

Social Media Burnout and Internet Addiction: The Role of Extroversion and Social Self-Concept in a Brazilian Sample.

The aim of this study was to examine the role played by the extroversion and social self-concept in the relationship between internet addiction and social media burnout. 200 individuals from the Brazilian general population between the ages of 18 and 45 participated and responded to the Compulsive Internet Use Scale, the Social Media Burnout Scale, the Multidimensional Self-Concept Scale, and a scale of reduced markers for personality assessment. The data were analyzed with the SPSS software. Results showed positive and statistically significant correlations between internet addiction and social media burnout, as well as negative correlations between both variables with social self-concept and extroversion. Furthermore, social self-concept had a significant indirect effect on the relationship between Internet addiction and social media burnout by appearing to mediate this relationship. This study contributes to the endorsement of the literature on the subject and prompts consideration of interventions needed by psychologists to promote social skills and appropriate internet use.

Evaluation of the level of internet addiction and its effects on academic performance among medical and paramedical college students in Iraq

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays a considerable population in the world uses the internet. Unfortunately, despite many interests and its specific advances in communication, the Internet is sentenced to have serious side effects. OBJECTIVE: To detect the percentage of internet addiction and its effect on academic performance among Medical and Paramedical students in some Iraqi universities. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 806 medical and paramedical students who were subjected to the online survey which includes demographic information associated with internet usage, and Young's Internet Addiction Test (YIAT) was applied to survey the grade of internet addiction. RESULTS: Results reveal a moderate level of addiction among students without significant variations between genders, high significant relationship (p<0.01) between students concerning their housing area, and strong significant variations (p<0.01) in the time of using the internet, besides strong significant differences (p<0.01) between internet addiction and academic performance. CONCLUSION: Medical and paramedical students practice the internet for diverse activities including learning despite their moderate grade of addiction there are no significant differences between genders. They employ it over 5 h/day, which affects negative tasks on their academic performance.

Psychometric properties of the Smartphone Addiction Inventory - Short Form (SPAI-SF) in Brazilian adolescents.

The Smartphone Addiction Inventory - Short Form (SPAI-SF) is shorter version (10 items) of the original version of SPAI (26 items). In this study, we aimed to: (i) adapt and test the internal structure of the SPAI-SF, using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA), and network analysis; (ii) analyze the internal consistency, temporal stability, criterion, predictive and construct validities of the SPAI-SF. A total of 392 adolescents (M = 12.76; SD = 1.00) completed the following measures: demographic questionnaire, SPAI-SF, Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Version (SAS-SV), and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). The CFA showed good fit indices with the original four factors, and MGCFA indicated measurement invariance for gender. Network analysis provided an understanding of the core symptoms of problematic smartphone use (PSU) for both boys and girls. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.865 (95% CI: 0.841 - 0.887) and indicated a robust temporal stability. The instrument demonstrated acceptable overall reliability measured by Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's Omega criteria (α = 0.722; ω = 0.725) and did not show floor and ceiling effects. The scale's significant correlations demonstrated convergent and criterion validities of the SPAI-SF with SAS-SV, IAT, and Smartphone usage data. The SPAI-SF is a reliable instrument to detect PSU in adolescents.