Problematic internet use and feelings of loneliness

Miguel Costa, Rui Costa; Patrão, Ivone Alexandra Martins; Machado, Mariana de Castro Lopes e Figueira

Publication

Problematic internet use and feelings of loneliness

2018Journal article

dc.contributor.author	Miguel Costa, Rui Costa
dc.contributor.author	Patrão, Ivone Alexandra Martins
dc.contributor.author	Machado, Mariana de Castro Lopes e Figueira
dc.date.accessioned	2020-01-10T18:40:38Z
dc.date.available	2020-01-10T18:40:38Z
dc.date.issued	2018
dc.description.abstract	Objectives: Internet addiction or problematic internet use (PIU) has been related to feelings of loneliness and social networking. Research suggests that online communication may cause loneliness. We examined if the association between PIU and loneliness is independent of lack of social support, as indicated by lack of a committed romantic relationship, poor family functioning, and lack of time to interact face-to-face due to time online. Methods: Portuguese adolescents and young adults (N = 548: 16-26 years) completed the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale-2, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the general functioning subscale of the McMaster Family Assessment Device. They also reported if they had a committed romantic relationship, and if being online did not leave them time to be with partner, spend with family and socialise face-to-face with friends. Results: Social networking was reported as among the main preferences by 90.6% of the females and 88.6% of the males. Perceived loneliness was associated with PIU independently of age and indicators of social support. Conclusions: Evolution created neurophysiological mechanisms to recognize satisfying social relationships based on sensory information and bodily feedback present in face-to-face interactions. These are greatly absent in online communication. Hence, online communication likely engenders feelings of loneliness. Keypoints Problematic internet use (PIU) has been related to loneliness and social networking. Online communication was shown to increase loneliness. Lack of romantic relationships did not explain the association of PIU with loneliness. Poorer family environment did not explain the association of PIU with loneliness. Lack of face-to-face interactions due to time online also did not explain it. Lack of adequate sensory cues and bodily feedback in online contacts might facilitate it.	pt_PT
dc.description.version	info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersion	pt_PT
dc.identifier.citation	International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice, 23(2), 160-162	pt_PT
dc.identifier.doi	10.1080/13651501.2018.1539180	pt_PT
dc.identifier.issn	14711788
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10400.12/7332
dc.language.iso	eng	pt_PT
dc.peerreviewed	yes	pt_PT
dc.publisher	Taylor & Francis	pt_PT
dc.rights.uri	http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/	pt_PT
dc.subject	Problematic internet use	pt_PT
dc.subject	Internet addiction	pt_PT
dc.subject	Loneliness	pt_PT
dc.subject	Social support	pt_PT
dc.title	Problematic internet use and feelings of loneliness	pt_PT
dc.type	journal article
dspace.entity.type	Publication
oaire.citation.conferencePlace	United Kingdom	pt_PT
oaire.citation.endPage	162	pt_PT
oaire.citation.issue	2	pt_PT
oaire.citation.startPage	160	pt_PT
oaire.citation.title	International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice	pt_PT
oaire.citation.volume	23	pt_PT
person.familyName	Costa
person.givenName	Rui
person.identifier.orcid	0000-0002-9937-1121
person.identifier.rid	G-8748-2012
person.identifier.scopus-author-id	7203063298
rcaap.rights	restrictedAccess	pt_PT
rcaap.type	article	pt_PT
relation.isAuthorOfPublication	85a16348-578b-4dd3-8c39-229345a9465c
relation.isAuthorOfPublication.latestForDiscovery	85a16348-578b-4dd3-8c39-229345a9465c