Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 2, 2025
08:53
Integrating Computerized Linguistic and Social Network Analyses to Capture Addiction Recovery Capital in an Online Community
Published on: May 31, 2019
5.3K
Testing the spectrum hypothesis of problematic online behaviors: A network analysis approach
Stéphanie Baggio1, Vladan Starcevic2, Joël Billieux3
1Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Division of Prison Health, Geneva University Hospitals & University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Addictive Behaviors
|August 8, 2022
Summary
Problematic online behaviors (POBs) are distinct entities, not a single addiction. This study supports the spectrum hypothesis, showing six POBs exist as separate but related issues with little overlap.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Digital Health
Background:
- The conceptualization of problematic Internet or smartphone use and addiction is debated.
- The spectrum hypothesis suggests problematic online behaviors (POBs) exist on a continuum.
- Preliminary support exists for the spectrum hypothesis, but more research is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically test the spectrum hypothesis of POBs.
- To investigate the relationships between various types of POBs.
- To determine if POBs are distinct entities or overlapping phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Network analysis approach used on an Australian community sample (n=1,617).
- Assessed six types of POBs using psychometrically validated self-report instruments.
- Computed a tetrachoric correlation matrix and performed community detection analysis.
Main Results:
- Correlations between online activities were positive and significant, but small in magnitude (0.051 ≤ r ≤ 0.236).
- Network analysis revealed six distinct communities, each corresponding to a specific POB.
- Strong internal relationships within each POB community and weaker relationships between different POBs were observed.
Conclusions:
- Findings provide further empirical support for the spectrum hypothesis.
- Suggests that problematic online behaviors (POBs) function as distinct entities.
- Indicates minimal overlap between the different types of POBs studied.
Related Concept Videos
02:04Bullying
8.5K
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...
8.5K
01:27Horney's Sociocultural Approach
641
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...
641
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
194
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
194
01:29Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
298
The development of psychological disorders, which are characterized by deviant, maladaptive, and personally distressing behaviors, has been explored through several theoretical approaches.
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
298
01:01Group Polarization
35.2K
Group polarization is the strengthening of an original group attitude following the discussion of views within a group (Teger & Pruitt, 1967). That is, if a group initially favors a viewpoint, after discussion the group consensus is likely a stronger endorsement of the viewpoint. Conversely, if the group was initially opposed to a viewpoint, group discussion would likely lead to stronger opposition.
35.2K
02:12Relationship Formation
40.8K
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
40.8K