TITLE:
Adolescents’ Compulsive Internet Use and Depression: A Longitudinal Study
AUTHORS:
Einar B. Thorsteinsson, Lucy Davey
KEYWORDS:
Adolescents; Compulsive Internet Use; Coping; Social Support; Self-Esteem; Depression
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Depression,
Vol.3 No.1,
January
28,
2014
ABSTRACT: Background:The present longitudinal
study examined predictors of compulsive internet use and depression. Method: Adolescents, 21 males and 20 females, completed online
questionnaires with a 12-month interval. Results:
Social internet use (i.e.,
using instant messaging and social networks) was associated with decreased
levels of depression. High support satisfaction, use of social networking, and
instant messaging contributed to lower changes in compulsive Internet use. Conclusion: The effects of social internet use in
combination with different psychosocial factors seem to have more positive effects
than negative ones on change in
depression and the development of compulsive internet use.