An Exploratory Analysis of Different Problematic Internet Use Profiles in Cybervictims, Cyberbullies, and Cyberbully Victims

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Internet Studies
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• The internet offers opportunities but also risks like cyberbullying and problematic Internet use (PIU).
• Previous research examined cyberbullying and PIU separately, but not PIU profiles based on cyberbullying roles.
• Understanding these distinct profiles is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and differentiate problematic Internet use (PIU) profiles among adolescents based on their roles in cyberbullying (cybervictims, cyberbullies, cyberbully victims).
• To identify common PIU patterns across these cyberbullying roles.

Main Methods:

• An analytical, cross-sectional study involving 25,341 adolescents aged 10–18.
• Utilized the Cyberbullying Triangulation Questionnaire (CTQ) and the Generalized and Problematic Internet Use Scale-2 (GPIUS2).
• Statistical analysis to compare PIU profiles across cyberbullying roles.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in PIU profiles were found among cybervictims, cyberbullies, and cyberbully victims (p < 0.001).
• Two primary PIU profiles emerged: nonproblematic use and severe problematic use.
• Adolescents with severe PIU showed higher cybervictimization and cyberaggression scores, particularly cyberbully victims. This group was 7.6 times more likely to have PIU than uninvolved peers.

Conclusions:

• Cyberbullying involvement is associated with distinct problematic Internet use (PIU) profiles in adolescents.
• Cyberbully victims exhibit a severe PIU profile, highlighting a critical need for intervention.
• Findings underscore the importance of integrating cyberbullying and PIU considerations in prevention and intervention programs.