Problematic Internet Use in Early Adolescents: Gender and Loneliness Differences in a Latent Growth Model

Based on the Cognitive-Behavioral model and the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution model, this study examined the developmental trajectory of problematic Internet use (PIU) in early adolescents and explored whether there were gender differences in the onset level and rate of development of this developmental trajectory, and tested whether developmental changes in loneliness could have an impact on the developmental trajectory of problematic Internet use.

This longitudinal study collected data on PIU and loneliness from 296 early adolescents (Mage=11.65, SD=0.58) in four waves. The development of PIU in adolescents and the effects of gender and loneliness development on PIU development were examined using a latent growth model.

The results revealed that individuals' PIU development showed a nonlinear latent growth model, with PIU significantly higher than 0 in grade 6 and its growth rate slowing down as PIU increased. Individuals' PIU at low starting levels developed more rapidly later. Boys had higher initial levels of PIU but their PIU developed and increased at the same rate as girls'. Both the initial value and slope of loneliness had a significant effect on the initial value and slope of boys' and girls' PIU.

Interventions for PIU in early adolescents also need to consider loneliness at the same time, and intervention groups can focus on individuals with low initial levels of PIU, boys, and individuals with high levels of loneliness.