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Problematic internet use: A scoping review - longitudinal research on a contemporary social problem, 2006-2017
Daniel Dahl1, Karin Helmersson Bergmark1
1Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
Nordisk Alkohol- & Narkotikatidskrift : NAT
|March 21, 2022
Summary
Research on problematic internet use (PIU), internet addiction (IA), and gaming disorder lacks consensus. This review highlights inconsistent findings in prevalence and change, indicating a need for standardized measures and understanding in this growing field.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Digital Health
Background:
- Problematic Internet Use (PIU), Internet Addiction (IA), and Gaming Disorder are increasingly recognized research areas.
- The potential inclusion of these disorders in future diagnostic manuals (DSM-6, ICD-11) underscores their clinical significance.
- Existing research conclusions are often contradictory, necessitating a synthesis of findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize the current research landscape of PIU, IA, and gaming disorder.
- To critically examine the reporting of prevalence and changes over time in studies related to these conditions.
- To identify inconsistencies and areas lacking consensus within the field.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review was conducted, focusing on longitudinal studies of PIU and IA.
- Systematic literature searches were performed across major academic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, Proquest) up to 2017.
- 97 peer-reviewed articles based on empirical data collected at multiple time points were included and synthesized using NVivo 11.
Main Results:
- Significant variation exists in the measures used, reported prevalence rates, and outcomes related to social life and other problems.
- While most studies indicate associations between PIU/IA and other life problems, causal or temporal relationships remain unclear.
- A notable number of longitudinal studies failed to report essential data on prevalence or change, hindering robust analysis.
Conclusions:
- The research field is characterized by a lack of consensus regarding measurement tools, conceptual understanding, and empirical findings.
- There is a critical need for standardized methodologies and definitions to advance the study of PIU, IA, and gaming disorder.
- Further research with consistent reporting of prevalence and change is essential for a unified understanding.
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