Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
06:01
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Online Gamers
Published on: November 9, 2019
Relations among loneliness, social anxiety, and problematic Internet use
1Department of Communication, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA. caplan@udel.edu
Summary
Problematic Internet use is linked to psychosocial well-being and communication beliefs. Social anxiety, not loneliness, predicts preference for online interaction and problematic Internet use.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Internet Studies
- Social Science
Background:
- Problematic Internet use (PIU) is a growing concern.
- Previous research suggested loneliness predicts preference for online interaction.
- The cognitive model of PIU highlights psychosocial well-being and communication beliefs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test a model of PIU incorporating psychosocial well-being and communication beliefs.
- To examine the role of social anxiety in explaining the link between loneliness and online interaction preference.
- To investigate the predictors of negative outcomes from Internet use.
Main Methods:
- The study modeled problematic Internet use.
- It examined the relationship between loneliness, social anxiety, and preference for online social interaction.
- Statistical analysis was used to identify confounding variables.
Main Results:
- Social anxiety was found to be a significant confounding variable.
- The relationship between loneliness and preference for online social interaction was determined to be spurious.
- Psychosocial well-being and communication beliefs were identified as cognitive predictors of PIU.
Conclusions:
- Social anxiety, rather than loneliness, is a key factor in problematic Internet use and preference for online interaction.
- Understanding the interplay between psychosocial factors and online behavior is crucial for addressing PIU.
- The findings refine the cognitive model of problematic Internet use.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one might face humiliation, rejection, embarrassment, or negative evaluation. This disorder leads individuals to avoid activities like casual conversations, public speaking, or seemingly simple tasks such as eating, signing documents, or swimming, in public settings. Its impact extends beyond discomfort, often significantly interfering with daily functioning and quality of life.
01:30Social Relationships and Well-Being
The significance of social relationships in psychological well-being is a well-established area of inquiry within social psychology. Research consistently demonstrates that the presence of meaningful, supportive relationships enhances emotional health, while the absence or deterioration of such connections can contribute to psychological distress. Relationships serve as a foundation for emotional support, identity, and social belonging, all of which are critical to an individual’s overall...
01:27Horney's Sociocultural Approach
Karen Horney's psychoanalytic theories emphasize the potential for self-realization and the importance of addressing social and cultural, rather than biological, factors in personality development. She challenged traditional Freudian views, particularly Freud's concept of "penis envy," which she argued stemmed from cultural influences rather than inherent biological differences. Horney believed that any sense of inferiority in women was a result of societal conditioning, such as dependence on...
03:34Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Attachment is a long-standing connection or bond with others. While Attachment Theory was conceived in developmental psychology to describe infant-caregiver bonding, it's been extended into adulthood to include romantic relationships.
01:25Importance of Need for Affiliation
The need for affiliation is a fundamental human motive that drives individuals to form and maintain interpersonal relationships. This universal drive varies in intensity among individuals due to genetic predispositions and life experiences, shaping it into a relatively stable personality trait. Social inclusion enhances emotional well-being by fulfilling the need for affiliation, whereas social exclusion leads to distress, negative emotions, and cognitive impairments.Psychological and Emotional...
02:04Bullying
A modern form of aggression is bullying. As you learn in your study of child development, socializing and playing with other children is beneficial for children’s psychological development. However, as you may have experienced as a child, not all play behavior has positive outcomes. Some children are aggressive and want to play roughly. Other children are selfish and do not want to share toys. One form of negative social interactions among children that has become a national concern is bullying.