The predictors, trajectory of development, negative outcomes and intervention of pathological Internet use among adolescents

Using the Internet has become one of the most popular leisure time activities among adolescents aged 10-21 years in world. More than 5.16 billion people are Internet users, making this age cohort the largest population of Internet users. Previous research has reported pathological Internet use and dependency in approximately 8% of adolescents. Concern about the large number of adolescents using the Internet has led to increased research into the possible adverse effects of Internet use on adolescent well-being, academic achievement, socialization in public mental health sector. The anonymity and absence of nonverbal and demographic cues provided by the Internet can be beneficial to adolescents' well being by offering relief from emotional distress, as well as enhancing perceptions of social support and self-esteem and expanding the ranges of interpersonal relationships. However, pathological Internet use (PIU), which is characterized by excessive or compulsive Internet use and a preoccupation with and loss of control over this use, results in negative personal and professional consequences and may be detrimental. The number of adolescent Internet users in world has increased rapidly, placing growing numbers at the risk of developing PIU. This large population and the increasing trend indicate that investigating how adolescents acquire PIU and developing effective intervention techniques for PIU are imperative.

In order to facilitate the effectiveness of evidence-based treatments of PIU, the research topic aims to identify the predictors, trajectory of development, negative outcomes and intervention of PIU among adolescents.



For more in-depth research, experimental studies, follow-up studies and intervention studies are very welcome.

Specific themes we strongly suggest addressing may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• The risk factors of PIU among adolescents

• The protective factors of PIU among adolescents

• PIU with emotional disorders among adolescents

• PIU with cognitive distortion among adolescents

• PIU with behavioral disorders among adolescents

• PIU with academic activity, academic engagement and academic performance among adolescents

• The trajectory of development of PIU among adolescents

• The intervention of PIU among adolescents