Mapping the symptom networks of problematic internet use subtypes: An integrated latent profile and network analysis

With the rapid development of information technology, problematic internet use (PIU) has emerged as a significant concern. Although PIU manifests through a wide range of symptoms, limited research has explored how these symptoms interact, particularly when considering the between-person heterogeneity of PIU. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify distinct PIU subtypes and to compare their symptom networks. A total of 2,376 college students (M_age = 19.52 ± 1.02; 26.3% male) completed the Internet Addiction Test. Latent profile analysis identified three subtypes: Low, Moderate, and High PIU. Network analysis revealed both shared and subtype-specific features. Across subtypes, several symptom associations were consistently strong, and PIU6 (work suffers from internet use) emerged as a central symptom. The Low and Moderate PIU subtypes showed largely similar network structures, with PIU17 (failure to cut down online time) as another prominent symptom. However, the Moderate subtype additionally exhibited several negative associations between symptoms and lower centrality of PIU12 (fear of life without the Internet). PIU1 (staying online longer than intended) was prominent in both the Moderate and High PIU subtypes, but played a stronger role in the High PIU subtype. The High subtype was further characterized by a denser network with exclusively positive connections and higher centrality of PIU12. These findings highlight both common and subtype-specific symptom organization in PIU and suggest potential intervention targets across severity levels.