Risky online behaviors among adolescents

Longitudinal relations among problematic Internet use, cyberbullying perpetration, and meeting strangers online

Dados Bibliográficos

ID23325656
AutoresManuel Gámez-Guadix (Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain), Manuel Gámez‐guadix (0000-0002-1575-1662, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, autor correspondente), Erika Borrajo (0000-0003-0723-6027, Universidad de Deusto), Carmen Almendros (0000-0002-8734-234X, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid)
Ano2016
Volume5
Fascículo1
Páginas100-107
Data de publicação2016-03-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal of Behavioral Addictions (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 2062-5871 • E-ISSN: 2063-5303
EditoraAkademiai Kiado Zrt. (PUBLISHER • HU)
DOI10.1556/2006.5.2016.013
PMID28092196
OpenAlexW2479824583
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas63
Referências citadas36

Background and aims This study aims to analyze the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationship between three major risky online behaviors during adolescence: problematic Internet use, cyberbullying perpetration, and meeting strangers online. An additional objective was to study the role of impulsivity–irresponsibility as a possible explanatory variable of the relationships between these risky online behaviors. Methods The study sample was 888 adolescents that completed self-report measures at time 1 and time 2 with an interval of 6 months. Results The findings showed a significant cross-sectional relationship between the risky online behaviors analyzed. At the longitudinal level, problematic Internet use at time 1 predicted an increase in the perpetration of cyberbullying and meeting strangers online at time 2. Furthermore, meeting strangers online increased the likelihood of cyberbullying perpetration at time 2. Finally, when impulsivity–irresponsibility was included in the model as an explanatory variable, the relationships previously found remained significant. Discussion These results extend traditional problem behavior theory during adolescence, also supporting a relationship between different risky behaviors in cyberspace. In addition, findings highlighted the role of problematic Internet use, which increased the chances of developing cyberbullying perpetration and meeting strangers online over time. However, the results suggest a limited role of impulsivity–irresponsibility as an explicative mechanism. Conclusions The findings suggest that various online risk activities ought to be addressed together when planning assessment, prevention and intervention efforts.

Cyberspace · Developmental psychology · Impulsivity · Injury prevention · Longitudinal study · Personality · Poison control · Sensation Seeking · Suicide prevention · The Internet · Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression · Child Development and Digital Technology · Clinical Psychology · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology