Association between cognitive distortions and problematic internet use among students during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Published in: Children and youth services review Vol. 155; p. 107214
• Main Authors: Agnihotri, Shreyas, Ravi Shanker, Datti
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2023
• Subjects: Cognitive distortions; Dysfunctional thoughts; Internet addiction; Pathological internet use; Problematic Internet Use (PIU); Cognitive distortions; Pathological internet use; Problematic Internet Use (PIU); Dysfunctional thoughts; Internet addiction
• ISSN: 0190-7409; 1873-7765
• DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.107214

•Cognitive distortions are positively correlated with generalized problematic internet use.•Problematic internet use is higher among families with a family size of more than five.•Cognitive preoccupation related to problematic internet use is higher among graduate students.•Internet usage for more than six hours increased the risk of problematic internet use (predominantly mood regulation). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of the internet has increased dramatically due to the widespread implementation of lockdowns, as well as the shift to remote work and online learning. While the internet can be a valuable tool for staying connected and accessing information during this time, it is important to recognize the potential for problematic internet use and the distorted beliefs in holding to those problematic behaviors. The present study examines the relationship between problematic Internet use (PIU) and cognitive distortions among University students. Data was collected from 387 students from Andhra Pradesh, India. Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale-2 (GPIUS − 2) and Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire were employed to gather responses. Family size, education level, and average time of internet use during COVID-19 were discovered to be key elements for GPIUS-2 and GPIUS-2 components (negative outcomes, cognitive preoccupation, and mood regulation) (p < 0.01) and (p < 0.05). Pearson correlation showed a strong positive relationship between problematic internet use (PIU) and cognitive distortions (r = 0.190, p < 0.01). A simple linear regression analysis was performed in which the PIU scores were predicted based on cognitive distortions, and it was found that cognitive distortions predicted PIU. The study's findings will encourage preventive strategies, testing, and early diagnosis and treatment for people vulnerable to PIU. This research will help facilitate cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for PIU.