Implications of COVID-19 and Lockdown on Internet Addiction Among Adolescents: Data From a Developing Country

Abstract

Introduction: Physical distancing policy during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic requires adolescents to spend most of their time at home, thus increasing Internet use duration. Limited social interaction with their peers may lead to loneliness and an increased risk of mental health among adolescents. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Internet addiction (IA) among adolescents and analyze the influence of psychosocial factors toward the heightened risk of IA during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: An online survey comprising sociodemographic questionnaire, Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire (KDAI), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was distributed. Overall, a total of 2,932 adolescents (mean age, 17.38 ± 2.24 years old; female, 78.7%), originating from 33 of 34 provinces in Indonesia, completed the survey.Results: The point prevalence of IA among Indonesian adolescents during the COVID-19 outbreak was 19.3%. Increased Internet use duration, internalization, externalization, low prosocial behavior, and sleep disturbances were found as risk factors of IA, either directly or as mediating variables. Physical distancing, large-scale social restriction (PSBB), and health status were not correlated to IA.Discussion: Physical distancing was not established as a risk of IA. This could be due to other psychological factors such as internalization, externalization, prosocial, and sleep problems that had correlations to IA occurrence among adolescents in the COVID-19 pandemic. Sleep impairment might have resulted from the emotional and behavioral issues and directly contributed to IA development.Conclusion: The present study found the prevalence of IA among Indonesian adolescents to be higher than the adult during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several psychological measures were indicated to increase the risk of IA, while physical distancing did not elevate the risk. Thus, remote schooling is preferable in Indonesia along with proper parental supervision to minimize Internet use for entertainment purposes.

How Does Psychological Distress Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Internet Addiction and Instagram Addiction in Emerging Adults?

“…Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant and severe increase in the prevalence of individuals suffering from Internet addiction has been shown [ 7 , 8 ], especially emerging adults [ 59 , 111 ], with important consequences on their psychosocial functioning [ 3 ].…”

Digital Media Use and Adolescents' Mental Health During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Nevertheless, the same authors reported a decrease in the strength of the association between depression and anxiety with smartphone addiction over time, possibly due to the recently designed mental health apps (63). Also, according to Siste et al (65), adolescents were more susceptible to Internet addiction than young adults during Covid-19. The authors explained these findings with the fact that adolescents' cognitive control system is still underdeveloped.…”

Exploring the Effects of Loneliness and Internet Addiction on Adults’ Well-Being During COVID-19 Quarantine

“…While both [24] and [25] analyzed the links between isolation, loneliness and the PIU of adolescents, only the results of [24] confirmed the association. Sista et al [25], on the other hand, found that the prevalence of internet addiction among adolescents was higher than that of adults during COVID-19.…”

“…While both [24] and [25] analyzed the links between isolation, loneliness and the PIU of adolescents, only the results of [24] confirmed the association. Sista et al [25], on the other hand, found that the prevalence of internet addiction among adolescents was higher than that of adults during COVID-19. However, they discovered that quarantine did not elevate the risk of internet addiction due to other psychological factors such as internalization, externalization, and that it had prosocial effects.…”

“…Yet, the psychological impact of social isolation and abnormal levels of internet usage on the feelings of loneliness and internet addiction is underrepresented. Several studies have recently focused on the effect of isolation and quarantine on internet misuse and the feeling of loneliness in people during the COVID-19 pandemic [3,[23][24][25]. AlHunaidi et al [3] showed the association between loneliness and PIU and other factors such as the number of hours spent online and the quality of relationship with the person(s) one is spending lockdown with.…”