Excessive use of social networks: Psychosocial profile of Spanish adolescents

Understanding the factors that predict excessive use of social networks in adolescence can help prevent problems as addictive behaviours, loneliness or cyberbullying. The main aim was to ascertain the psychological and social profile of adolescents whose use of SNSS is excessive. Participants comprised 1,102 adolescents aged between 11 and 18 from Girona (Spain). Those who made excessive use of social networks were grouped together. Their personality and social profiles were explored, the former using NEO FFI, NEO PI-R and Self-Concept AF5, and the latter through the use of Social Support Appraisals, self-attributed type of ICT use in the family and rules regarding ICT use at home. The prevalence of excessive use was 12.8%, being higher among girls. The personality profile was characterized by neuroticism, impulsivity and a lower family, academic and emotional self-concept. The social profile was defined by the perception of high ICT consump¬tion in the mother and siblings, and a lack of rules. The protective factors were conscientiousness, the existence of rules, and being a boy; risk factors were the use of SNSS as a distraction and for fun, and the perception of high sibling consumption. Interventions based on gender and working on responsible ICT use within the family environment are proposed to prevent more serious psychological problems

The use of social networking sites, body image dissatisfaction and Body Dysmorphic Disorder: a systematic review of psychological research

The escalation of social networking site (SNS) usage has led to much research examining both the positive and negative implications SNS can have on well-being. However, whilst many studies have investigated the relationship between SNS usage and body image, there remains a paucity of research in regards to SNS usage and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). A systematic search was undertaken using Web of Science, PsychInfo and PubMed databases to identify SNS usage and patterns, SNS features and mediating factors contributing towards body image dissatisfaction, resulting in 40 studies meeting specific inclusion criteria. Findings identified passive SNS use and appearance-focused SNS use as particularly influential. Appearance-based comparisons were also found to be a strong mediator between SNS use and body image dissatisfaction. Using the current knowledge, parallels were highlighted in terms of body image dissatisfaction and BDD symptomatology, suggesting frequent SNS usage as a potential risk factor in the development of BDD symptoms

A Dual-Identity Perspective of Obsessive Online Social Gaming

Obsessive online social gaming has become a worldwide societal challenge that deserves more scholarly investigation. However, this issue has not received much attention in the information systems (IS) research community. Guided by dual-system theory, we theoretically derive a typology of obsessive technology use and contextually adapt it to conceptualize obsessive online social gaming. We also build upon identity theory to develop a dual-identity perspective (i.e., IT identity and social identity) of obsessive online social gaming. We test our research model using a longitudinal survey of 627 online social game users. Our results demonstrate that the typology of obsessive technology use comprises four interrelated types: impulsive use, compulsive use, excessive use, and addictive use. IT identity positively affects the four obsessive online social gaming archetypes and fully mediates the effect of social identity on obsessive online social gaming. The results also show that IT identity is predicted by embeddedness, self-efficacy, and instant gratification, whereas social identity is determined by group similarity, group familiarity, and intragroup communication. Our study contributes to the IS literature by proposing a typology of obsessive technology use, incorporating identity theory to provide a contextualized explanation of obsessive online social gaming and offering implications for addressing the societal challenge

Validation of the Social Media Disorder Scale in Adolescents: Findings From a Large-Scale Nationally Representative Sample

Large-scale validation research on instruments measuring problematic social media use (SMU) is scarce. Using a nationally representative sample of 6,626 Dutch adolescents aged 12 to 16 years, the present study examined the psychometric properties of the nine-item Social Media Disorder scale. The structural validity was solid, because one underlying factor was identified, with adequate factor loadings. The internal consistency was good, but the test information was most reliable at moderate to high scores on the scale's continuum. The factor structure was measurement invariant across different subpopulations. Three subgroups were identified, distinguished by low, medium, and high probabilities of endorsing the criteria. Higher levels of problematic SMU were associated with higher probabilities of mental, school, and sleep problems, confirming adequate criterion validity. Girls, lower educated adolescents, 15-year-olds, and non-Western adolescents were most likely to report problematic SMU. Given its good psychometric properties, the scale is suitable for research on problematic SMU among adolescents

Self-esteem and Social Media Dependency: A Comparative Analysis of Welsh- and English-Medium Pupils’ Perceptions

Despite not being officially recognized as an addiction, studies suggest social media dependency [SMD] retains similar traits as substance-based addictions and that adolescents are a group particularly at risk. Studies have shown significant positive correlations between SMD and depression, loneliness, and social anxiety. SMD has also shown a significant negative association with self-esteem. Research has yet to explore these relationships within a minority versus majority language comparative context, which is the objective of the thesis. The thesis used cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses (three equally-spaced timepoints over nine-months) incorporating quantitative and qualitative designs. There were 1,709 participants (Welsh/Bilingual-medium schools = 844; English-medium schools = 865) aged 12- to 15-years with a mean age of 13.61 years (standard deviation ±.933). All schools were State-maintained and located within Wales. At timepoint one, five Welsh/Bilingual- and four English-medium schools took part. Two Welsh/Bilingual-medium schools dropped out after timepoint one. SMD analysis (Chapter Four) showed a difference between school types but no difference between Welsh/Bilingual-medium attending first language Welsh- [FLWs] and English-speakers [FLEs]. The suggested reason for the difference between the school types was a marginalization of Welsh/Bilingual-medium FLWs’ and FLEs’ first languages within the social media and school environments, respectively. A difference in self-esteem (Chapter Five), depression, loneliness, and social anxiety (Chapter Six) scores was shown for FLWs and FLEs, also, with FLEs showing the poorer scores. The suggested reason was FLWs benefiting in terms of social identification processes and close affiliation to the Welsh language, culture, and community. Structural equation modeling [SEM] (Chapter Seven) indicated that first language mattered whenever SMD predicted self-esteem, depression, loneliness, and social anxiety. Longitudinal analyses (Chapter Eight) showed no difference in FLWs’ and FLEs’ SMD representation at low, medium and high levels over time, but a greater number of FLEs were represented at low self-esteem levels over time. Qualitative analysis (Chapter Nine) suggested FLWs identified a greater array of technical barriers to using Welsh on social media. In conclusion, the suggestion is an individual’s first language matters regarding self-esteem, depression, loneliness, and social anxiety, but not SMD. However, whenever SMD acts as a predictor variable, an individual’s first language appears to play a pivotal role

The impact of social media content on Body Dysmorphic Disorder symptoms

openIl disturbo di dismorfismo corporeo (BDD) è un disturbo psicologico caratterizzato dall’eccessiva preoccupazione per uno o più difetti percepiti nell’aspetto fisico. Durante il decorso, l’individuo inizia a mettere in atto comportamenti ripetitivi, azioni mentali, comportamenti di sicurezza e comportamenti di evitamento, in risposta a tale preoccupazione. Il livello di insight delle persone con BDD è mediamente scarso e più aree del funzionamento dell’individuo vengono compromesse in maniera significativa a causa del disturbo psicologico. Molte persone con BDD si rivolgono ai centri di medicina estetica e si sottopongono a interventi chirurgici, per cercare di migliorare i difetti percepiti nell’aspetto fisico. Il mantenimento dei sintomi del BDD viene spiegato dal modello teorico cognitivo comportamentale di Veale (2004). L’utilizzo dei social media, in particolare dei social network, può costituire un fattore di rischio per lo sviluppo di BDD e contribuire al mantenimento del disturbo psicopatologico. I social media veicolano ideali di bellezza irrealistici e incentivano il confronto sociale, determinando l’aumento dei livelli di insoddisfazione corporea. In particolare, le tendenze fitspiration e thinspiration e i contenuti a tema beauty sono particolarmente dannosi, perché promuovono modelli corporei e ideali di bellezza irraggiungibili

"My presence is there to be seen for people who judge". Instagram on well-being, body image and body dysmorphic disorder

As social networking site (SNS) use has become increasingly integrated within our daily lives, there is growing concern around the potential impacts SNS use may have on our well-being and body image. However, the interplay between SNS and well-being is complex, and much research continues to rely on self-report measures to capture experiences with SNS. Moreover, previous associations between SNS and body image dissatisfaction point to SNS as playing a role within Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Therefore, the present project aimed i) to investigate the role of SNS usage patterns on psychological well-being outcomes and ii) to identify and understand the features of SNS use that may influence well-being outcomes from the perspectives of Instagram users, individuals experiencing BDD and clinicians working in the field of BDD, taking a focus on the SNS platform Instagram. A multistage mixed methods approach was employed, implementing psychometric assessment, focus groups and interviews, in addition to ecological momentary assessment (EMA) with objective monitoring. The results of the empirical studies found: i) SNS as combining aspects of both offline and online peer and media influences, whereby appearance is endorsed through interactive features and influential figures on Instagram, ii) appearance anxiety as significant mediator for Instagram use and well-being outcomes, iii) Instagram usage time, number of notifications and number of Instagram launches are not associated with well-being outcomes, iv) Instagram is a platform wherein BDD behaviours are reinforced, but also a place for finding support and connections, and v) Instagram use may contribute towards maintaining BDD symptoms, but may also be a useful tool in therapeutic treatment. Overall, findings of the present project address the features of Instagram that can contribute towards well-being, body image and SNS behavioural patterns, whilst also contributing to knowledge and understanding around SNS use in BDD

Evaluación de factores asociados al uso del teléfono móvil y Redes Sociales (Instagram): factores personales y repercusiones en la salud

[ES] Las tecnologías de la información y comunicación (TIC) tienen un papel fundamental en la vida diaria de millones de personas en todo el planeta; su uso y aplicación como soporte social, educativo, laboral, entre otros, nos permite indicar la incuestionable primacía de la convergencia de éstas en el comportamiento del ser humano, tanto en el presente como en el futuro de las sociedades. Ordenadores, teléfonos inteligentes (Smartphones), televisores, transistores, tabletas, libros digitales, etc., se encuentran entre nosotros y su uso es abundante, debido a que la mayoría se encuentra conectada a la revolución tecnológica llamada internet; como podemos observar en el estudio general de medios (AIMC, 2021) el 87% de la población es usuaria diaria de internet, siendo la mayoría mujeres (50,5%), y además, un 95,2% accede a la red a través del smartphone, un 54,9% desde el ordenador portátil, y un 55,1% desde la Smart TV, respectivamente. En la actualidad, el uso de artefactos que funcionan como medio a través de los cuales realizamos distintas acciones informativas y comunicativas, y que, además, conservan y mantienen toda la información volcada dentro de sus sistemas, nos permite visualizar que aún queda mucho por observar en cuanto a esta revolución tecnológica. Por otro lado, la forma de comunicarnos, como especie social, ha ido modificándose desde el inicio de los tiempos; en forma resumida, se podría decir que la manera de hacerlo era inicialmente de forma oral y/o escrita, por lo que, si hablamos de comunicación oral, era necesaria la presencia de la otra persona para que dicho intercambio fuera eficaz. Por su parte, la forma escrita otorga la posibilidad de comunicación sin la presencia del interlocutor en un mismo tiempo y espacio. Teniendo como base estos estilos de transmisión de ideas, internet y las TICS permiten al ser humano eliminar las leyes del espacio y el tiempo para comunicarse, lo que supone un salto evolutivo comunicacional. Ejemplos de esto lo vemos en las videollamadas, donde las personas no tan sólo se escuchan a través de un artefacto, sino que también pueden observarse entre sí, aun estando a kilómetros de distancia, con distintos horarios y en momentos distintos del día

REVISION SISTEMATICA SOBRE LA ADICCION A LAS REDES SOCIALES

La creciente popularidad de las redes sociales ha sido continúa trayendo consigo miles de nuevos usuarios cada día, a su vez las horas de uso se han incrementado; este uso excesivo se ha visto como algo normal o común, ignorando las consecuencias para la salud así como la alteración que genera en la conducta. En el presente trabajo se realizó una investigación sistemática con el propósito de constatar y recopilar los criterios establecidos de una adicción conductual de acuerdo al DSM-5 (Manual Diagnóstico y Estadístico de los Trastornos Mentales) y CIE-10 (Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades). Se realizó una revisión en dos bases de datos confiables como lo son Psycinfo y PubMed, examinando los artículos pertenecientes al año 2001 al 2021 enfocados a la adicción hacia las redes sociales; para ello se implementaron cinco filtros en su debido orden, así se recopilaron un total de 46 artículos. Dentro de los resultados, los más importantes que se consideraron son la creación de diferentes instrumentos para medir la adicción a las redes sociales; algunos autores utilizan el término adicción mientras que otros la refieren como uso problemático/excesivo. Aunque los fundamentos teóricos se encuentren establecidos es necesaria la evidencia empírica para reforzar los criterios de ser considerada como una adicción conductual

Correlati e precursori psicologici dell’Anoressia nervosa: una rassegna della letteratura corrente

Se pensiamo all’importanza del cibo già ai tempi di Ippocrate, ad oggi siamo in grado di capirne a pieno la sua importanza? A quanto pare, per una piccola parte della popolazione mondiale, ancora no. Perché accade questo? Com’è possibile che un ingrediente tanto importante per la nostra sopravvivenza quale il cibo sia interiorizzato come un mostro da annichilire ed eludere in ogni sua forma e consistenza? Fornire una risposta a tale quesito è particolarmente impegnativo. Tuttavia, la domanda posta in questa prima fase introduttiva del viaggio che si sta per intraprendere, sarà la colonna portante del presente elaborato, all’interno del quale verranno prese in esame alcune delle più recenti scoperte scientifiche, i fattori che incidono nel demarcare una linea tra l’essere umano ed il cibo, e se è possibile riuscire ad individuare una via di fuga per abbattere il muro che vi si solleva. Ciò che si andrà ad analizzare in questa sede, vale a dire i disturbi del comportamento alimentare (DCA), avverrà in un’ottica prettamente psicologica, e si solleveranno alcune delle più recenti evidenze empiriche. Come accennato, l’AN è un grave disturbo alimentare che ha una serie di conseguenze negative per la salute fisica a lungo termine (Mehler e Brown, 2015) e il più alto tasso di mortalità di qualsiasi disturbo psichiatrico (Arcelus, Mitchell, Wales, e Nielsen, 10 2011). La caratteristica distintiva di AN è la fame persistente (APA, 2013; Walsh, 2011), che è accompagnata da una significativa paura dell’aumento di peso nonostante il mantenimento di un corrispettivo molto basso. Si stima che la prevalenza una tantum di AN sia del 3,64% tra le donne (Micali et al., 2017), con un’incidenza più alta durante l’adolescenza (Micali, Hagberg, Petersen, e Treasure, 2013). Generalmente il tempo necessario per il recupero è lungo (Strober, Freeman, e Morrell, 1997; Zerwas et al., 2013) e una percentuale significativa di individui soffre di AN grave e duratura (Broomfield, Stedal, Touyz, e Rhodes, 2017). Oltre a ciò, si andrà a porre l’accento al mondo virtuale dei social media e all’influenza, e quindi all’impatto, che questi hanno sulla patologia in questione in termini di body image, quindi della rappresentazione del proprio corpo in termini scheletrici come unico modello da raggiungere per essere felici. Inoltre, si passerà in rassegna un particolare studio che andrà a valutare e a dimostrare empiricamente e scientificamente l’efficacia della terapia cognitivo-comportamentale migliorata in regime intensivo, come terapia per la riabilitazione psicofisica dei pazienti, comprovando non soltanto la sua valenza in termini di efficacia, ma anche in termini di mantenimento e durata nel corso del tempo. A conclusione del viaggio che si sta intraprendendo, verrà riportato anche il racconto di una ragazza che ha sconfitto definitivamente ciò che la teneva imbavagliata da diverso tempo; verrà riportato testualmente il suo percorso, come l’ha affrontato, quali emozioni esperiva, come è nato e come si è concluso