Problematic internet use (PIU) is defined as abuse of the internet medium that is characterized by an individual's inability to control their own internet use, which negatively affects various aspects of their life. It is associated with many psychosocial and other mental health problems. Adolescents and young adults represent the majority of technology users. Most adolescents primarily use the internet for social interaction, but some also misuse it in order to alleviate psychological distress. Problematic internet users have a higher risk of developing internet addiction, which greatly interferes with and hinders normal everyday life. Research shows that due to the specifics of their developmental stage, adolescents pose a higher risk of developing problematic internet behaviors. Factors such as pre-existing mental health problems, certain web content, and the quality of attachment to loved ones can have a protective or harmful effect on the development of PIU. In a sample of Slovenian primary school pupils in the last triad (N = 211), we evaluated the presence and level of problematic internet use, and studied gender differences, association with depression, social anxiety, and attachment to parents and peers. We found higher levels of PIU in girls and those with higher scores on depression and social anxiety, those with lower academic performance, those with above average use of web content (especially social networks, pornography, and PC and console gaming), and those with low attachment to parents and peers. We were unable to confirm higher levels of PIU at the lower age. The results of hierarchical linear regression, in which we controlled for the socioemographic factors, showed that depression, the pattern of online activity, characterized by intensive use of video games and internet activities have the highest predictive value for the development of PIU. Low maternal attachment was also shown to be an important predictor of PIU. The goal of the research was to explore and draw attention to the important role of psychosocial and emotional problems in the development and maintenance of problematic internet behaviors. These findings can be useful in spreading awareness about healthy internet use and in the development of screening and prevention guidelines in the field of internet addiction.
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