Problematic internet use and Facebook use among adolescents

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.