There is a general consensus that Internet addiction (IA) mainly related to social aspects of the Web, especially among adolescents. The empirical link between poor skills and IA well documented; however, theoretical explanations for this relationship are less developed. One possibility people with prone develop preference online interaction (POSI), which, in turn, predicts problematic usage. This hypothesis has been tested loneliness anxiety, but not self-esteem (SE; one main antecedents...

The 15-item Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) is one of the few theory-driven instruments to measure problematic use (PIU). Since PIU has emerged in several cultural contexts, it seems relevant evaluate psychometric properties scale across various cultures. aim present study was test (i.e., dimensionality, reliability, and validity) Italian version GPIUS2. sample consisted 371 participants (128 males 243 females), their age ranged from 14 33 years (M=18.07 years,...

Following the theoretical frameworks of dual-factor model Facebook use and Self Determination Theory, present study hypothesizes that satisfaction unmet needs through Social Networking Sites (SNSs) may represent a pathway towards problematic Internet communicative services (GPIU) for socially anxious people. Four hundred undergraduate students (females = 51.8%; mean age 22.45 + 2.09) completed three brief scales measuring via SNSs need to belong, self-presentation assertiveness, Generalized...

Forced isolation induced by COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impacted individuals' well-being, reducing the opportunities for social encounters, consequently resulting in a greater use of media order to maintain relationships. Although range friend-related activities appeared be severely constrained during quarantine, Fear Missing Out (FoMO) needs carefully examined, especially relation problematic networking site (PSNSU). Indeed, FoMO might enhance need stay connected and communicate with...

Scholars have recently taken an interest in the connection between narcissism and Internet use, especially among users who frequent social networking sites (SNSs). Conversely, association problematic use of SNSs (i.e., unregulated that leads to negative outcomes) has been scarcely investigated. This study addresses this gap by comparing mean levels grandiose narcissists, vulnerable non-narcissists. A sample 535 students completed 16-item Narcissistic Personality Inventory, Hypersensitive...

This study investigated whether abstaining from Instagram (Ig) affects subjective well-being among young men and women. By comparing an intervention group (40 participants who take a break Ig for week) with control kept using Ig), we found that women quitted reported significantly higher levels of life satisfaction positive affect than it. Whereas increment depended on social appearance comparison, rose independent the tendency to compare one's own others. It is possible users are no longer...

The aim of the present study is to investigate effect daily exposure body-positive and fitspiration Instagram posts on young women’s mood, body satisfaction, appearance comparison tendency. One hundred twenty-two Italian women (M age = 22.29 ± 2.26 years) were randomly assigned three different conditions (i.e., body-positive, neutral content) followed with an experience sampling method over a period 28 consecutive days. Comparisons between groups performed via multilevel regression modelled...

Davis (2001) introduced a cognitive–behavioral theory of generalized pathological internet use (GPIU) that attempts to model the etiology, development, and outcomes associated with PIU. According this model, pre‐existing psychosocial problems (depression, loneliness, or low levels social support) predispose an individual GPIU cognitions, behaviors, negative outcomes. An exploratory study intended investigate whether is health (loneliness, depression, self‐esteem, shyness), also taking...

Previous studies on problematic Internet use have focused almost exclusively the fact that presence of negative functioning, such as social anxiety, depressive symptoms, or loneliness, represents a risk factor for unhealthy web. For this reason aim present study was to investigate association between psychological well-being dimensions and communicative services. In current 495 undergraduate students were recruited. The Italian adaptations Psychological Well-being Scales Generalized...

Since the diffusion of Internet addiction has emerged in several cultural contexts, it seems relevant to study properties Addiction Test (IAT)—the most widely used screening instrument—across various cultures. In Italy, only one examined IAT factor validity, and a comprehensive investigation its psychometric characteristics is so far lacking. The purpose this was perform analysis Italian IAT. A total 840 students (Mage=18.65 years, SD=3.85 years; 59% female) were recruited. Pertaining scale...

The negative effects of Problematic Instagram Use (PIU) on self-evaluations one's appearance (i.e., body-image satisfaction-dissatisfaction) are well-known, whereas less explored is its role investment dimensions. By adopting the Social Comparison and Self-discrepancies theories as framework, present study hypothesized that PIU negatively affects body management behaviours through serial mediating actual comparison (IG) need to conceal flaws. Gender, age trait were controlled for.