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The Roles of Primary Emotional Systems and Need Satisfaction in Problematic Internet and Smartphone Use: A Network
Dmitri Rozgonjuk1,2, Kenneth L Davis3, Christian Montag1
1Department of Molecular Psychology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
Frontiers in Psychology
|September 17, 2021
Summary
Problematic smartphone use (PSU) and problematic internet use (PIU) link to negative emotions and unmet psychological needs. Addressing these needs may help reduce problematic technology use.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Digital Health
Background:
- Problematic Internet Use (PIU) and Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU) are growing concerns.
- Understanding the psychological underpinnings of PIU and PSU is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between PIU and PSU with primary emotional systems.
- To examine the relationship between PIU and PSU and psychological need satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 399 individuals completed validated scales measuring PIU, PSU, primary emotions, and need satisfaction.
- Bivariate correlation and network analyses were employed to assess relationships.
Main Results:
- Both PIU and PSU correlated positively with negative emotions (fear, anger, sadness) and negatively with most need satisfaction factors.
- Network analysis revealed a strong association between PIU and PSU, but weak links to other variables.
- PSU linked to fear, anger, and play emotions, and to safety, security, and physiological needs. PIU linked to lower esteem and self-actualization needs.
Conclusions:
- Unmet psychological needs, particularly for safety, security, esteem, and self-actualization, are associated with problematic technology use.
- Targeting these unmet needs could be a potential strategy for mitigating PIU and PSU.
- Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of addressing unmet needs in reducing problematic technology use.
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