Mindfulness programs for problematic usage of the internet: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Psychology
• Digital Health
• Mental Health Interventions

Background:

• Problematic internet usage (PUI) encompasses uncontrolled and excessive online behaviors.
• Mindfulness programs (MPs) are increasingly investigated for their potential to mitigate PUI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of mindfulness programs for reducing problematic internet usage.
• To evaluate the impact of MPs on screen time as a secondary outcome.

Main Methods:

• Searched eight databases from inception to October 18, 2022, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized trials (NRTs).
• Analyzed changes in self-reported PUI and screen time as primary and secondary outcomes, respectively.
• Included 19 RCTs and 20 NRTs involving 1,549 participants.

Main Results:

• MPs demonstrated large reductions in PUI across RCTs (g = -1.67) and within-group analyses (g = -1.67).
• A medium reduction in screen time was observed in within-group analyses (g = -0.65).
• Results remained significant across sensitivity analyses, but heterogeneity was high and evidence quality was low.

Conclusions:

• Mindfulness programs are likely effective in reducing problematic internet usage.
• MPs may also be effective in reducing screen time.
• Further high-quality, long-term controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings due to current evidence limitations.