Problematic usage of the internet and borderline personality disorder: A survey study in the United States

Adults with borderline personality disorder (BPD) are often diagnosed with co-occurring substance use disorders, but research regarding comorbid behavioral addictions, such as problematic usage of the internet (PUI), is sparse. Therefore, this study investigates the extent to which individuals with probable BPD struggle with PUI within an online community sample.

An online survey titled "Personality, Mental Health, and Well-Being" was conducted using Prolific among a non-clinical sample of 300 adults (ages 18-76) from the United States in 2024. Probable BPD was identified using the McLean Screening Instrument for BPD (MSI-BPD). Participants with probable BPD were compared to those without probable BPD on demographics, Internet Severity and Activities Addiction Questionnaire (ISAAQ-10) severity scores, engagement in various online activities measured by the ISAAQ-10, dating app use, and responses to exploratory questions.

Of the 289 adults who completed the MSI-BPD, 13.1% (n = 38) screened positive for probable BPD. Compared to those without probable BPD, those with probable BPD scored higher on the ISAAQ-10 and were significantly more likely to meet our exploratory threshold for elevated PUI (33.3% versus 7.8%). Dating app use was more prevalent among individuals with probable BPD. In exploratory analyses, few reliable differences were observed across other specific online activities.

Individuals with probable BPD reported higher levels of problematic internet use. Future studies should explore why and how people with BPD use the internet, especially whether online behaviors help with emotional regulation, avoidance, or validation-seeking.