Risk factors for poor progression of addictive internet use across different COVID‐19 periods in China
Yi‐Xuan Song, Yu‐Chen Huang, Yang‐Yang Li, Yan‐Ping Bao, Guang‐Dong Zhou, Lin Lu, Jie Shi, Yan Sun- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Clinical Psychology
- Medicine (miscellaneous)
Abstract
Background and Objectives
Addictive behaviors are serious factors for mental health and usually increase during public crises. We identified the vulnerable characteristics for bad prognosis of addictive internet use across different periods of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.
Methods
Self‐reported questionnaires were delivered in three waves through
Results
A total of 40.16% of participants reported an increase in the addictive degree of internet use compared with prepandemic. Across different COVID‐19 periods, the overall trend of addictive internet use was downward among general Chinese study participants (Mslope = −1.56). Childhood traumatic experiences, deterioration of physical health, depression, and anxiety during remission and dynamic periods were the main risk factors for the bad progression of pandemic‐induced addictive internet use.
Discussion and Conclusions
Addictive internet use was remitted following relaxed control policies during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Negative childhood experiences and bad mental status during the recovery period were harmful to coping with pandemic‐related addictive internet use.
Scientific Significance
Our findings profiled the general trend of addictive internet use and the vulnerable characteristics of its bad progression across different periods of the first wave of COVID‐19 pandemic in China. Our findings provide valuable insights for preventing the long‐term adverse effects of negative public events on Internet addiction.