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[Problematic Internet use, time spent online and personality traits].
S Laconi1, A Andréoletti1, E Chauchard2
1Octogone, Centre d'études et de recherches en psychopathologie, université de Toulouse II-Le Mirail, pavillon de la recherche, bureau R31, 5, allées Antonio-Machado, 31058 Toulouse cedex, France.
L'Encephale
|February 1, 2016
Summary
Problematic Internet use is linked to specific personality traits, with gender playing a key role. Men with cluster A and B traits show higher problematic Internet use, while women
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Internet Studies
Background:
- Problematic Internet use (PIU) is increasingly recognized as a disorder associated with various psychiatric conditions.
- Limited research exists on the link between PIU and personality traits, especially within French populations.
- Previous studies on PIU and personality traits often used small sample sizes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between problematic Internet use, time spent online, and personality traits in a French sample.
- To examine the influence of depressive symptoms and gender on these relationships.
- To explore gender-specific associations between personality traits and problematic Internet use.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 276 French adults (aged 18-50) participated in the study.
- Participants completed questionnaires assessing problematic Internet use, time spent online, ten personality traits, and depressive symptoms.
- Statistical analyses were performed to identify correlations and differences based on gender.
Main Results:
- Significant gender differences were observed in the relationship between problematic Internet use and personality traits.
- Among men, problematic Internet use was associated with Cluster A (schizoid, schizotypal) and Cluster B (borderline, antisocial) personality traits.
- Among women, no specific personality traits or clusters were significantly associated with problematic Internet use, but time spent online was predicted by avoidant traits.
Conclusions:
- Cluster A and B personality traits are more strongly associated with problematic Internet use in men than Cluster C traits.
- Gender differences in problematic Internet use may be influenced by distinct online activities (e.g., men: gambling, women: communication sites).
- Assessing personality traits in relation to Internet use, considering gender and online activities, is crucial for understanding and addressing problematic Internet use.
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