Internet Addiction Increases in the General Population During COVID‐19: Evidence From China

• DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13156
• Publication Date: 2021-03-19T08:52:47Z
• Authors: Yang‐Yang Li; Yan Sun; Shi‐Qiu Meng; Yan‐Ping Bao; Jia‐Lu Cheng; Xiang‐Wen Chang; Mao‐Sheng Ran; Yan‐Kun Sun; Thomas Kosten; John Strang; Lin Lu; Jie Shi
• Keywords: Pandemic

Background and Objectives COVID‐19‐related quarantine stress have likely escalated the crisis of Internet addiction. This study aimed to determine impact COVID‐19 pandemic on use related risk factors among general public in China. Methods A large‐sample cross‐sectional online survey was conducted from March 24 April 30, 2020, China, 20,472 participants completed survey. We investigated prevalence severity addiction based Addiction Test (IAT), explored increases time spent addiction, as well severe Results The overall 36.7% population during pandemic, that 2.8%, according IAT scores. Time recreational had significantly increased almost half reported Risk for included having fewer social supporters, perceiving pressure mental health status due COVID‐19, being over‐engaged playing videogames. Discussion Conclusions adversely impacted especially vulnerable populations. Scientific Significance provides evidence policymakers refine policies control make efforts provide population‐specific prevention interventions people at developing (Am J Addict 2021;00:00–00)