Among the First in the World: LSMU Scientists’ Approach to Problematic Internet Use Attracts International Attention
A team of researchers from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) and Vilnius University, in collaboration with colleagues from universities in Hungary, Gibraltar, and Australia, as well as the Centre for Digital Ethics, has conducted one of the first studies globally to assess the extent to which internet use impairs everyday functioning.
“When diagnosing mental health disorders, it is crucial to evaluate the degree to which an individual’s daily life – work, social interactions, and self-care – is affected by certain symptoms or problematic behaviours. This criterion of impaired daily functioning is one of the most important for distinguishing between intense, yet non-harmful, internet use and problematic behaviour that requires intervention,” said Dr Vesta Steiblienė, co-author of the study.
The two studies – one carried out before and one – during the pandemic – were reviewed in a recently published scientific article.
One Question – Different Answers
“Interestingly, during the pre-pandemic period, around 14.3% of students responded positively to the question ‘Has your internet use significantly impaired your usual daily activities and/or your relationships with others?’ However, during the pandemic, as distance learning and overall internet use increased, the proportion rose to 18.3%,” remarked Dr Vilma Jakienė, one of the research team members.
The same question was used as the basis for a screening tool. Based on the results of the study, LSMU researchers developed a single-question screening tool called the “Q-single”, suggesting that the question could reliably indicate the absence of problematic internet use (PIU) if there are no reported difficulties in everyday functioning.
A “Yes” Answer – An Important Signal
While the term “functional impairment” is most commonly used to describe difficulties in social or occupational life, it can also serve as a key criterion for identifying PIU.
When assessing the diagnostic reliability of the question formulated by the LSMU team, it was found to have an exceptionally high negative predictive value – meaning that if a person answers “no”, it is highly likely that they do not exhibit signs of PIU. Although a “yes” response was significantly associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, its positive predictive value was relatively low.
This means that a “yes” response alone does not confirm problematic internet use – but it is a signal that a more detailed conversation is required to better evaluate the situation and determine what support might be needed when encountering difficulties in the digital environment.
Due to the frequent co-occurrence of problematic internet use and other mental health disorders – particularly anxiety and depression – it is essential to assess the impact of PIU on a person’s daily life, work, relationships, and ability to care for themselves.
This is particularly relevant in the context of rising internet usage and increasing psychological issues related to digital addiction.
Why Is It Important to Detect Problematic Internet Use Early?
Internet use and its impact on psychological well-being is becoming an increasingly pressing concern. Researchers have previously observed that PIU is associated with heightened symptoms of depression and anxiety, poorer cognitive functioning, and even an increased risk of suicide.
The study was conducted by a team of researchers: Vilma Jakienė, Orsolya Király, Zsolt Demetrovics, Aurelija Podlipskytė, Aušra Saudargiene, Roma Jusienė, Eglė Milašauskienė, Julija Gečaitė-Stončienė, and Evelina Palaityte-Urbonė. The project was led by Julius Burkauskas and Vesta Steiblienė.
The significance of the study is underscored by its publication in the prestigious international journal Journal of Behavioral Addictions, which ranks in the top Q1 category. Such journals publish only rigorously peer-reviewed studies that meet the highest quality standards.
Link to the study HERE.