Problematic Internet Use, Emotional Problems and Quality of Life Among Adolescents

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Problematic Internet Use (PIU) among adolescents (N = 466) and its possible association with emotional problems and quality of life. Students (Mage = 12.8 years; SD = 1.9) from five public schools in a city in the State of São Paulo participated in this study and completed four instruments: a sociodemographic questionnaire; Internet Addiction Test (IAT); Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). No significant differences were detected about the frequency and intensity of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to those who did not have problems with the use of the Internet. No differences were observed between the groups in respect of quality of life either. However, those individuals who felt that their internet use impaired their daily activities presented higher average IAT scores and higher levels of stress. These findings indicated that the perception of internet use was the main variable associated with emotional symptoms.