Understanding Problematic Internet Use With Data

Self-regulation and self-monitoring applications can contribute to behavioral change and awareness and promote the healthy use of digital technology. During times of limited social interaction, such as COVID-19, it has been suggested that screen time and overall technology usage increase. However, there is no objective evidence to support that claim. Under such living conditions, the need for self-regulating and self-monitoring apps is even higher due to the limited availability of face-to-face therapies, interactions, and counseling services. Since self-regulation and self-monitoring apps are still emerging, more theory-informed solutions should be proposed. The thesis tries to establish it by examining the shift in smartphone use before and during COVID-19 with objectively collected data, Problematic Internet Usage (PIU) concerning social media use, and studying Internet Addiction (IA) within families. Data Analysis tools of Mann Whitney U tests, chi-square, Multiple regression, and K-prototypes clustering were used. Results show that time spent on smartphones has increased after COVID-19. Since COVID-19, the time spent on social media applications has grown, and there has been an increase in individuals who use gaming applications. Conversational addicts had higher PIU than social networking addicts and Highly visual social media addict. The overall IA score of parents and the frequency of major arguments with their teenage children over excessive Internet use were both positive and significant predictors of adolescent IA. Implications and policy recommendations based on findings are reported.