Problematic Internet Use among Adults: A Cross-Cultural Study in 15 Countries.
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2023
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Journal of Clinical Medicine
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Abstract
Abstract: Background: The present study compared adult usage patterns of online activities, the
frequency rate of problematic internet use (PIU), and risk factors (including the psychopathology
associated with PIU, i.e., distress and impulsivity) among adults in 15 countries from Europe, America,
and Asia. Methods: A total of 5130 adults from Belgium, Finland, Germany, Italy, Spain, France,
Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, UK, Norway, Peru, Canada, US, and Indonesia completed an online
survey assessing PIU and a number of psychological variables (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress,
and impulsivity). The sample included more females, with a mean age of 24.71 years (SD = 8.70).
Results: PIU was slightly lower in European countries (rates ranged from 1.1% in Finland to 10.1% in
the UK, compared to 2.9% in Canada and 10.4% in the US). There were differences in specific PIU rates
(e.g., problematic gaming ranged from 0.4% in Poland to 4.7% in Indonesia). Regression analyses
showed that PIU was predicted by problematic social networking and gaming, lack of perseverance,
positive urgency, and depression. Conclusions: The differences in PIU between countries were
significant for those between continental regions (Europe versus non-European countries). One of the
most interesting findings is that the specific PIU risks were generally low compared to contemporary
literature. However, higher levels of PIU were present in countries outside of Europe, although
intra-European differences existed.
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Internet addiction, Problematic internet use, Problematic gaming, Problematic social networking, Problematic gambling, Problematic online sex, Problematic online shopping, Cross-cultural research, Psychopathology, Impulsivity