Psychological traits that predict problematic internet use: new study

Based on 1504 participants the study found 2 psychological traits that accurately predict "problematic internet use"

January 5, 2024

A new research study by Séverine Erhel a, Joeffrey Drouard bf, Florence Jacob c, Marianne Lumeau b, Raphaël Suire c, Corentin Gonthier de, published in Computers in Human Behavior peeked our interest.

Based on 1504 participants the study found 2 psychological traits that accurately predict "problematic internet use"

1. Predisposition to Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO), often with chronic dissatisfaction of social bonds.

2. Anxiety, where digital tools can "divert from negative emotions until they take on an irresistible compulsive character (negative emotion => open social network!)".

No socio-economic trait could be found to predict problematic internet use, except young age.

"Age is one of the few significant predictors, showing that the younger one is, the more at risk they are of developing problematic internet use."

Read the full study here: Predictors of problematic internet use in the everyday internet activities of a French representative sample: The importance of psychological traits

How focused are you?
Find out in your personal Focus Report
Thank you! We'll be in touch!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Find Your Focus
Make the most out of every day with the world's greatest Screen Time software.

Improve your focus,
find your flow.

Try Opal for free
Supporting top performers around the world