Are you on the internet or using screen-based devices?

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Digital Media Studies

Background:

• The concept of internet addiction emerged in the 1990s, gaining recognition as a public health concern.
• The term 'internet addiction' faces criticism for its heterogeneity and failure to encompass sub-threshold problematic online behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a revised terminology for problematic internet behaviors.
• To advocate for a shift from 'internet addiction' to 'problematic use' for clearer clinical and research applications.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of existing terminology.
• Literature review on problematic internet use and digital media evolution.

Main Results:

• The term 'problematic use' is suggested as a more accurate descriptor than 'internet addiction'.
• The study highlights the need for future terminology shifts towards 'screen-based devices' or 'screens' due to technological advancements.

Conclusions:

• Adopting 'problematic use' enhances conceptual clarity and clinical relevance.
• Future research and clinical practice should consider evolving terminology to reflect the increasing integration of screens in daily life and the application-specific nature of problematic behaviors.