Problematic Internet Use (Gaming, Social Media)
Technology use (or internet use) is now widespread and is increasingly introduced to children at progressively younger ages. Nearly 36% Ontario youth in grades 7-12 use their cell phone for more than 5 hours every day and close to 20% have symptoms in line with moderate-to-serious problem technology use (Margetson et al., 2024). The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the rise of technology use among post-secondary students, and thereby increasing problematic use (Gómez- Galán, 2021).
Prevalence of problematic cell phone and internet use in post-secondary students vary but compulsive use has showed to be associated with depression, anxiety, poor sleep quality, pain and strains in the body, and impacting academic performance (Candussi et al., 2023, Kil et al., 2021, Sánchez- Fernández et al, 2022). Problematic internet use can vary depending on the activities students partake, but have been greatly associated with general browsing, gaming, social media, online shopping, and pornography.
Predictive factors for problematic internet use are:
- Patterns of use
- Lifestyle
- Psychological factors
Risk factors among young people are as follows (Sánchez-Fernández et al, 2022, Skues et al., 2015):
- Increased time spent online
- Online gaming
- Negative affect
- Life stress
- Loneliness
- Impulsivity
- Poor sleep quality Depression
- ADHD
- Alcohol and drug use Cognitive issues
Recommendations to managing technology and internet usage can be found below.
REFLECTION:
What are some ways campuses can provide opportunities and spaces for students to disconnect from the internet or technology?
Resources
Problem Technology Use video by CAMH
Social Media and Cellphone Addiction Infosheet by CICMH