| dc.description.abstract | Background: Despite the fact that Internet use may lead to
a wide spectrum of different disorders, Problematic Internet Use (PIU) has still not been included in classifications of
mental disorders. Also, more and more researches refer to
the high addiction potential of Facebook (FB) [1]. However,
a mere concept of FB addiction is not easy to explain [2].
Namely, addiction can be discussed through social aspects
of social networks (addiction of cyber relationships) [3]. On
the other hand, addiction to games on social networks is a
type of Internet game disorder [4]. The question is - can we
write about FB addiction if someone is addicted to only one
aspect of its use. These findings call for new researches in
this area with an emphasis on the FB users’ activities. The
aim of this study was to analyze the differences in activity
on FB between subjects that have PIU and those who
don’t have this disorder. The other goal was to investigate
differences between genders.
Methods: The study sample was recruited from 48 schools.
The final sample included 2113 adolescents, 56% girls and
44% boys, with mean age of 16.73. The study obtained the
approval of the ethics committee and all subjects signed for
informed consent. The study was conducted in classrooms
during classes. We used the questionnaire which, in the
first part, contained questions related to FB use and in the
second part the Internet Use Disorder Scale. Based on their
scores on the scale (cut-off 38/39), subjects were divided
into two groups (with or without PIU). The cut-off value
was determined by the previously done standardization on
the general population in Serbia.
Results: There were significantly more boys than girls in the
PIU group (chi = 12.59; p<0.001). Only 3.6 % of participants
did not have FB. Participants in PIU group spent more
time on FB (5.18 ± 5.16 hours) than participants without
PIU (3.27 ± 4.58 hours). These differences were statistically significant (F = 28.85;p< 0.05). Also, they posted FB
statuses significantly more often (chi = 18.23; p< 0.05),
shared FB contents (music, photography) (chi = 10.07;
p<0.05), played games on FB (chi = 6.83; p< 0.05) and
chatted significantly more (chi = 7.84, p<0.05). There were
no statistically significant differences in reading FB posts
(chi = 1.99; p = 0.16) and visiting FB groups (chi = 0.21;
p = 0.65). In the PIU group, girls shared FB contents
(chi = 7.17; p<0.05) and chatted on FB (chi = 8.11;p<0.05)
statistically significantly more often than boys. In both
groups, boys played more games statistically significantly
more often than girls. (in PIU group chi = 11.06; p<0.05; in
group without PIU chi = 3.18, p<0.05)
Conclusions: Adolescents spend worryingly more time on
FB. Participants in PIU group were more active on FB and
spent more time on this social network. However, for more
exact results, future studies should include a psychiatric
interview. | en_US |
