scholarly journals Young people's use and experience of the Internet during the COVID-19 lockdown:

First Monday ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petter Bae Brandtzaeg ◽  
Marika Lüders
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Online Activity ◽  
Online Social Support ◽  
Streaming Services ◽  
Excessive Internet Use

No studies we are aware of have explored youth’s experiences of the association between their Internet use and well-being during the COVID-19 lockdown. To fill this void, we used survey data of a representative sample (N = 734) of young Norwegians (16–26 years) collected a few weeks into the lockdown in May 2020. Findings show a substantial increase in use of several Internet activities—in particular, video calls and streaming services. Snapchat and Messenger were the most important services to keep in touch with friends. Online social support significantly predicts higher well-being, while heavy Internet use during a regular lockdown day significantly predicts low well-being, particularly among the older females. Analysis of free text responses shows that excessive Internet use during lockdown has led to poor well-being among many, both mentally (38 percent) and physically (17 percent). Many describe purposeless online scrolling or interactions as problematic. We conclude that future research on online well-being should focus more on perceived level of meaningful online activity.

scholarly journals Internet use and well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak: Examining the role of gender, age, motives for using the internet and relational resources in an Italian adult sample.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Venuleo ◽  
Claudia Marino ◽  
Lucrezia Ferrante ◽  
Simone Rollo ◽  
Adriano Schimmenti
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Social Support ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
Relational Resources ◽  
And Gender

Abstract The COVID-19 outbreak introduced self-isolation and social distancing as measures to reduce the spreading of the pandemic. As a consequence, internet usage has increased globally. The current study aims to show whether internet worked as a resource for well-being or as an amplifier of psychological distress and problematic internet use (PIU), considering the role of gender, age, motives for using the internet and online/offline relational resources. Five hundred and seventy-three adult participants (M: 40.28; SD: 16.43; 64% women) completed a form on sociodemographic characteristics and Internet use, and completed standardized measures on loneliness, online social support, well-being and PIU. A principal component analysis was computed to identify the main motives Internet use; ANOVA and Pearson’s r correlations were computed to examine (dis)similarities in motivational components with respect to gender, agegroup and psychosocial measures. A multivariate multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the contribution of the hypothesized predictors on overall well-being and PIU.Three principal motives for Internet use were detected: leisure and social interaction, knowledge, learning/working. Significant differences were found among them with respect to gender and age group and online/offline relational resources. Differences were found in the likelihood of PIU and well-being related to all the variables considered, with the exception of online social support for PIU and gender and age for well-being. These findings call for further research aimed to disentangle the correlates of PIU in a time of physical distancing, as well as for innovative efforts tailored to blunt the impacts of social isolation and bolster social connectivity.

scholarly journals DOES CHANGE IN INTERNET USE PREDICT PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG OLDER ADULTS?

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S326-S326
Author(s):  
Ronald W Berkowsky
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Additional Control ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Previous work focusing on the relationship between Internet use and quality of life among older adults (aged 65+) has found evidence of various positive impacts. This project expands upon this work by examining the relationship between Internet use and measures of psychological well-being (PWB) including autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. The analytic sample is derived from two waves of data (Time 1 = 2004, Time 2 = 2011) taken from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study and includes a sample of older adults aged~65 at Time 1 (N = 4943). Participants were separated into four categories: those who did not use the Internet at Time 1 or 2, those who used the Internet at Time 1 only, those who used the Internet at Time 2 only, and those who used the Internet at both Time 1 and 2. Regression analyses were performed with the Time 2 PWB measures as the outcomes and the Internet use categories as the primary predictors. Results indicate that while continuous Internet users typically reported higher PWB scores compared to non-users, those who stopped use between Time 1 and 2 also reported higher scores and those who started use between Time 1 and 2 reported lower scores. These results generally held when introducing Time 1 PWB measures as controls, suggesting changes in Internet use may affect PWB but not necessarily in the predicted directions. Additional control variables, potential explanations, and implications for future research are discussed.

Suicide-related Internet use among university students

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S404-S404
Author(s):  
V. Voros ◽  
P. Osvath ◽  
Z. Szabo ◽  
Z. Nagy ◽  
S. Fekete
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Special Role ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Online Help ◽  
Online Activity ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionNowadays, mobile and Internet communication is widely used and has a special role in mental health prevention. Besides, websites targeting suicide prevention, pro-suicide contents (methods for suicide, suicide pacts) are also easily available, which may increase the risk for suicide in vulnerable people.AimsOur aim was to assess the relation between Internet use and suicidal behaviour among university students and also to assess online activity regarding suicidal contents and help-seeking behaviour.MethodsSelf-administered questionnaires were completed by university students.ResultsMost of the 101 students who completed the survey use the Internet 3 hours or more a day. They are facing suicidal contents numerous times. Professional websites providing information and the common popular sites were mainly visited, sites providing help were less screened (10%). More than quarter of the students felt discomfort when looking at sites dealing with suicide. Almost one-third of the subjects had suicidal thoughts during their lives and 15% already planned suicide. In case of suicidal thoughts, subjects would seek help mainly from friends and family, but online help-seeking was not preferred.ConclusionsDespite of the extensive Internet use, students rarely seek help for emotional problems on the Internet. Development of websites controlled by professionals is essential, especially for those who would not benefit from traditional psychological/psychiatric care. Future research is needed regarding the characteristics of Internet use and the potentials and limits of help-seeking via the Internet in order to prevent people from pro-suicide websites and to improve professional websites.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals A literature review of parents’ online behavior

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jodi Dworkin ◽  
Jessica Connell ◽  
Jennifer Doty
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Online Behavior ◽  
Online Social Support ◽  
Internet Searching ◽  
Use Of The Internet

The purpose of this literature review was to compile and analyze the research that has been conducted on parents’ use of the Internet and determine what we know about how parents use the Internet in everyday life. A comprehensive literature review focusing on studies that have asked parents about their Internet use was conducted to include research published through December 2011. This yielded 27 studies. Articles were summarized and then organized by content. Three main themes emerged: what parents are doing online, social support online, and the digital divide. This literature review revealed that parents go online to search for parenting information and social support and generally report satisfaction with the resources they find on the Internet. Parents still express hesitation in trusting various online resources, though, and desire greater education in Internet searching and deciphering the credibility of online information. In addition, this review also exposes gaps in current research, provides direction for future research, and has implications for how to effectively reach parents using the Internet.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional survey of internet use among university students

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Adorjan ◽  
Simon Langgartner ◽  
Maximilian Maywald ◽  
Susanne Karch ◽  
Oliver Pogarell
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Information Searches

AbstractThe last 2 decades have seen an increase in the number of reports of excessive internet use. Therefore, this study aimed to examine internet use among university students to gain more insight into the novel phenomenon of addictive internet use (AIU). Data were collected by the means of an online questionnaire sent to 4391 students. Approximately 10% of the 4391 students could be included in the statistical analysis. Of those 483 students, almost all (99.2%) used the internet, and a quarter (24.8%) showed AIU. The students used the internet mostly for information searches, random browsing, social networking, and online shopping; however, AIU was seen most often in the areas of social networking, random browsing, information searches, gaming, and pornography. One in four of the respondents showed addictive behavior in at least one area of internet use. Students with AIU in the area of random browsing were significantly less far advanced in their studies than those without AIU, and well-being was significantly poorer across AIU groups than in those who did not show AIU. The study confirms the importance of AIU, as reflected in the high prevalence of AIU among the students and the significantly lower level of well-being in those with AIU. Undifferentiated consideration of AIU does not do justice to its various facets, and future research should consider all areas of internet use, with the aim to increase understanding of the underlying mechanisms of AIU and develop more differentiated treatment approaches.

scholarly journals DIGITAL INDEPENDENCE: HEALTH-RELATED DIFFICULTY IN INTERNET USE AND HOW IT AFFECTS OLDER ADULTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S442-S443
Author(s):  
Shannon Ang ◽  
Emily Lim ◽  
Rahul Malhotra
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Social Support Networks ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Using the internet is increasingly a necessity. However, older adults may not do so due to either non-health reasons (e.g., lack of digital literacy or internet access) or health-related reasons. While researchers have studied internet use among older adults, most do not discriminate whether non-use is due to health reasons or otherwise. Recent studies also reveal that older adults use the internet to keep in touch with family and friends, highlighting that limitations in internet use may be detrimental for their well-being. We therefore, examine the key correlates of health-related difficulty in internet use, and how it may affect quality of life by reducing the size of their social support networks. Data were from a national survey of older Singaporeans (n=3966) conducted in 2016-17. Multinomial logistic regression and mediation analysis were used to identify older adult subgroups more likely to experience health-related difficulty in internet use, and whether such difficulty affected older adults’ quality of life through their social support networks. Results showed that males, those of Malay ethnicity, those with less education, and those with more instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) limitations were more likely to experience health-related difficulty in internet use. Social support networks mediated the relationship between health-related difficulty in internet use and quality of life. These findings suggest that other than managing the health conditions of older adults who face health-related difficulty in internet use, offline modes of keeping them socially connected may promote their quality of life.

scholarly journals Undesigning the Internet: An exploratory study of reducing everyday Internet connectivity

10.29007/s221 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Widdicks ◽  
Tina Ringenson ◽  
Daniel Pargman ◽  
Vishnupriya Kuppusamy ◽  
Patricia Lago
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Internet Services ◽  
Internet Connectivity ◽  
Internet Infrastructure ◽  
Everyday Lives ◽  
Excessive Internet Use

Internet connectivity is seamlessly integrated into many of our everyday habits and activities. Despite this, previous research has highlighted that our rather excessive Internet use is not sustainable or even always socially beneficial. In this paper, we carried out an exploratory study on how Internet disconnection affects our everyday lives and whether such disconnection is even possible in today’s society. Through daily surveys, we captured what Internet use means for ten participants and how this varies when they are asked to disconnect by default, and re-connect only when their Internet use is deemed as necessary. From our study, we found that our participants could disconnect from the Internet for certain activities (particularly leisure focused), yet they developed adaptations in their lives to address the necessity of their Internet use. We elicit these adaptations into five themes that encompass how the participants did, or did not, use the Internet based on their necessities. Drawing on these five themes, we conclude with ways in which our study can inspire future research surrounding: Internet infrastructure limits; the promotion of slow values; Internet non-use; and the undesign of Internet services.

scholarly journals Convoys of social support in Mexico

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 324-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather R. Fuller-Iglesias ◽  
Toni Antonucci
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Frequent Contact ◽  
Gender And Education ◽  
The Social

The Convoy Model suggests that at different stages of the lifespan the makeup of the social support network varies in step with developmental and contextual needs. Cultural norms may shape the makeup of social convoys as well as denote socio-demographic differences in social support. This study examines the social convoys of adults in Mexico. Specifically, it examines whether social network structure varies by age, gender, and education level, thus addressing the paucity of research on interpersonal relations in Mexico. A sample of 1,202 adults (18–99 years of age) was drawn from the Study of Social Relations and Well-being in Mexico. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated older adults had larger, more geographically proximate networks with a greater proportion of kin but less frequent contact. Women had larger, less geographically proximate networks with less frequent contact. Less educated individuals had smaller, more geographically proximate networks with more frequent contact and a greater proportion of kin. Age moderated gender and education effects indicated that younger women have more diverse networks and less educated older adults have weaker social ties. This study highlights socio-demographic variation in social convoys within the Mexican context, and suggests implications for fostering intergenerational relationships, policy, and interventions. Future research on Mexican convoys should further explore sources of support, and specifically address implications for well-being.

scholarly journals How Do Home Computer Users Browse the Web?

2022 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Kyle Crichton ◽  
Nicolas Christin ◽  
Lorrie Faith Cranor
Keyword(s):  
Internet Use ◽  
Computer Users ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Home Computer ◽  
Security Behavior ◽  
Browsing Behavior ◽  
The Web ◽  
Analyze Data

With the ubiquity of web tracking, information on how people navigate the internet is abundantly collected yet, due to its proprietary nature, rarely distributed. As a result, our understanding of user browsing primarily derives from small-scale studies conducted more than a decade ago. To provide an broader updated perspective, we analyze data from 257 participants who consented to have their home computer and browsing behavior monitored through the Security Behavior Observatory. Compared to previous work, we find a substantial increase in tabbed browsing and demonstrate the need to include tab information for accurate web measurements. Our results confirm that user browsing is highly centralized, with 50% of internet use spent on 1% of visited websites. However, we also find that users spend a disproportionate amount of time on low-visited websites, areas with a greater likelihood of containing risky content. We then identify the primary gateways to these sites and discuss implications for future research.

scholarly journals Are Coping Strategies with Well-Being in Deaf and Blind Parents Related?

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1422-1439
Author(s):  
Maria Luisa Indiana ◽  
Elisabetta Sagone ◽  
Salvatore Luciano Orazio Fichera
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Deaf Parents

The main purpose of this cross-sectional study, carried out with deaf parents and blind parents, is to analyze the association of coping strategies, life satisfaction, well-being, and generalized self-efficacy, compared to a group of parents without a sensory loss. The Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced, Satisfaction with Life, Generalized Self-efficacy, and Psychological Well-Being scales were applied. Results indicate that: (1) deaf parents and blind parents search for social support, use avoidance, and turn to religion more than those without a sensory loss; (2) deaf parents are more satisfied with life than blind parents and those without a sensory loss; (3) deaf parents and blind parents perceive themselves as less efficacious than those without a sensory loss; (4) deaf parents and blind parents report lower psychological well-being (autonomy and personal growth) than those without a sensory loss, except for self-acceptance. Searching for social support and turning to religion are negatively associated with life satisfaction in deaf parents and those without a sensory loss; further, these coping strategies (together with avoidance) affect the psychological well-being of deaf parents and parents without a sensory loss. Future research could investigate deeper into the effects of these dimensions on well-being and the styles of parenting in these families.

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