Problematic Internet Use among Adults: A Cross-Cultural Study in 15 Countries

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Internet Studies
• Cross-cultural Research

Background:

• Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is a growing concern globally.
• Understanding its prevalence and risk factors across diverse populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare adult online activity patterns, PIU frequency, and associated risk factors across 15 countries.
• To investigate psychopathological correlates like distress and impulsivity in PIU.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to 5130 adults across Europe, North America, and Asia.
• Participants completed measures for PIU, depression, anxiety, stress, and impulsivity.

Main Results:

• PIU rates were generally lower in European countries compared to North American and Asian countries.
• Problematic gaming and social networking, lack of perseverance, positive urgency, and depression significantly predicted PIU.
• Specific PIU rates varied, with problematic gaming highest in Indonesia.

Conclusions:

• Significant differences in PIU exist between continental regions, with higher rates outside Europe.
• Despite variations, overall PIU risks were relatively low compared to existing literature.
• Intra-European differences in PIU were also observed.