Regular and problematic leisure-time Internet use in the community: Results from a German population-based survey
Abstract
In our study, we attempted to identify systematically the use of Internet applications in the German population in order to derive risk factors for problematic use. In a representative survey of the German population, we queried 1,401 women and 1,111 men between the ages of 14 and 94 years by specific questions and standardized questionnaires on depression, anxiety (HADS), and depersonalization (CDS-2). The majority of the German population (55%) used the Internet in their leisure time. Users were younger and had a higher socioeconomic status (education, employment, income). Leisure-time use included e-mail and information search, as well as shopping. Chatting, online communities, games and sex were domains of young, mostly male adults. Overall, 9.3% reported at least one negative consequence of Internet use, especially neglect of recreational activities and problems with family/partner, work or education, and health. Problematic use was associated with longer average daily online times, avoidance of negative emotions, preference for certain applications (gaming, gambling, online sex) and an increased rate of depersonalization. The extent of Internet use per se is not sufficient as an addiction criterion and other negative consequences; rather, specific adverse consequences need to be identified. If the Internet is used excessively to cope with negative affect states and alternative means of coping (e.g., social support, health-promoting behavior) are diminished, a vicious cycle may ensue with increasing stress and reliance on the reinforcing properties of certain online activities that may finally lead to addictive behavior.
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
High engagement and being always 'on' or engaged with technology has been considered problematic and potentially addictive in the past.
“However, the downside is that high engagement and being always ‘on’ or engaged with technology has been considered problematic and potentially addictive in the past [43]”
From Social networking sites and addiction: Ten lessons learned (2017) · cites this paper as [43]
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
The self-check needs the paper’s full text.
Cites
Lambert, N. M., Ketzenberger, K. E., & Kemp, C. A. (2014) · Encyclopedia of Special Education · doi:10.1002/9781118660584.ese0122 · Cited by 2,247 · see citing works
Issues for DSM-V: Internet Addiction
Block, J. J. (2008) · American Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2007.07101556 · Cited by 1,385 · see citing works
Shaw, M. C., & Black, D. W. (2008) · CNS Drugs · doi:10.2165/00023210-200822050-00001 · Cited by 844 · see citing works
Morrison, C. M., & Gore, H. (2010) · Psychopathology · doi:10.1159/000277001 · Cited by 437 · see citing works
Ha, J. H., Yoo, H. J., Cho, I. H., Chin, B., Shin, D., & Kim, J. H. (2006) · The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry · doi:10.4088/jcp.v67n0517 · Cited by 415 · see citing works
Internet addiction: a descriptive clinical study focusing on comorbidities and dissociative symptoms
Bernardi, S., & Pallanti, S. (2009) · Comprehensive Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2008.11.011 · Cited by 405 · see citing works
Psychiatric symptoms in adolescents with Internet addiction: Comparison with substance use
Yen, J., Ko, C., Yen, C., Chen, S., Chung, W.-J. J., & Chen, C. (2008) · Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences · doi:10.1111/j.1440-1819.2007.01770.x · Cited by 327 · see citing works
Internet Use and Its Relationship to Loneliness
Moody, E. J. (2001) · CyberPsychology & Behavior · doi:10.1089/109493101300210303 · Cited by 321 · see citing works
Potential Markers for Problematic Internet Use: <i>A Telephone Survey of 2,513 Adults</i>
Aboujaoude, E., Koran, L. M., Gamel, N., Large, M. D., & Serpe, R. T. (2006) · CNS Spectrums · doi:10.1017/s1092852900014875 · Cited by 268 · see citing works
Mobilizers Mobilized: Information, Expression, Mobilization and Participation in the Digital Age
Rojas, H., & Abril, E. P. (2009) · Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication · doi:10.1111/j.1083-6101.2009.01475.x · Cited by 257 · see citing works
Hinz, A., & Schwarz, R. (2001) · PPmP - Psychotherapie · Psychosomatik · Medizinische Psychologie · doi:10.1055/s-2001-13279 · Cited by 190 · see citing works
Ghassemzadeh, L., Shahraray, M., & Moradi, A. (2008) · CyberPsychology & Behavior · doi:10.1089/cpb.2007.0243 · Cited by 187 · see citing works
Kim, J.-H., & Haridakis, P. M. (2009) · Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication · doi:10.1111/j.1083-6101.2009.01478.x · Cited by 174 · see citing works
Computerspielverhalten: Klinische Merkmale von Abhängigkeit und Missbrauch bei Jugendlichen
Batthyány, D., Müller, K. W., Benker, F., & Wölfling, K. (2009) · Wiener klinische Wochenschrift · doi:10.1007/s00508-009-1198-3 · Cited by 137 · see citing works
Self-citationMitchell, K. J., & Wells, M. (2007) · Social Science & Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2007.05.015 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
Beutel, M. E., Hoch, C., Wölfling, K., & Müller, K. W. (2011) · Zeitschrift für psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie · doi:10.13109/zptm.2011.57.1.77 · Cited by 62 · see citing works
Self-citationInternetsucht: Jugendliche gefangen im Netz
Hahn, A., & Jerusalem, M. (2001) · VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-663-11310-2_16 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
Michal, M., Zwerenz, R., Tschan, R., Edinger, J., Lichy, M., Knebel, A., Tuin, I., & Beutel, M. E. (2009) · PPmP - Psychotherapie · Psychosomatik · Medizinische Psychologie · doi:10.1055/s-0029-1224098 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
Self-citationADM-Design und Einwohnermelderegister-Stichprobe
Koch, A. (1997) · VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-322-86533-5_8 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
Rierdan, J. E. (1999) · American Psychologist · doi:10.1037/0003-066x.54.9.781 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Flagged first, then by citations
Research works printed but not linked: 6
- [2]2. Young KS. (1999) Internet addiction: Symptoms, evaluation and treatment. In VanDeCreek L, Jackson TL, eds. Innovations in clinical practice . Vol. 17. Sarasota, FL: Professional Resource Press.
- [14]14. Wo ¨ lfling K, Mu ¨ ller KW, Beutel ME. Skala zum Computerspielverhalten (CSV-S) - Psychometrische Kennwerte eines klinisch-diagnostischen Instruments zum pathologischen Computerspielverhalten. Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik, Medizinische Psychologie ; in press.
- [15]15. Batthya ´ny D, Mu ¨ ller KW, Benker F, et al. Computerspielverhalten: Klinische Merkmale von Missbrauch und Abha ¨ ngigkeit. Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift 2009; 121:502-9.
- [19]19. Koch A. (1997) ADM-Design und EinwohnermelderegisterStichprobe. Stichproben bei mu ¨ ndlichen Bevo ¨ lkerungsumfragen. In Gabler S, Hoffmeyer-Zlotnik JHP, Krebs D, eds. Stichproben in der Umfragepraxis . Opladen, Germany: Westdeutscher Verlag, pp. 99-116.
- [20]20. Michal M, Zwerenz R, Tschan R et al. Screening for depersonalization-derealization with two items of the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale. Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik, Medizinische Psychologie 2010; 60:175-9.
- [21]21. Hinz A, Schwarz R. Anxiety and depression in the general population: normal values in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik, Medizinische Psychologie 2001; 51:193-200. Address correspondence to: Daria J. Kuss Ambulanz fu ¨r Spielsucht Klinik fu ¨ r Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie Universita ¨tsmedizin Mainz Untere Zahlbacher Straße 8 55131 Mainz, Germany Email: kuss@uni-mainz.de
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Social networking sites and addiction: Ten lessons learned
Kuss, D., & Griffiths, M. (2017) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph14030311 · Cited by 1,603 · see citing works
“However, the downside is that high engagement and being always ‘on’ or engaged with technology has been considered problematic and potentially addictive in the past [43], but if being ‘always on’ can be considered the status quo and most individuals are ‘on’ most of the time, where does this leave problematic use or a…”
Self-citationInternet addiction: a systematic review of epidemiological research for the last decade
Kuss, D., Griffiths, M., Karila, L., & Billieux, J. (2014) · Current Pharmaceutical Design · doi:10.2174/13816128113199990617 · Cited by 1,374 · see citing works
Self-citationDong, G., DeVito, E. E., Du, X., & Cui, Z. (2012) · Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging · doi:10.1016/j.pscychresns.2012.02.001 · Cited by 289 · see citing works
“8% of German adults report at least one negative consequence of internet use (Beutel et al., 2011) and South Korea has identified IAD as a serious public health issue (Block, 2008).”
InfluentialMeier, A., Reinecke, L., & Meltzer, C. E. (2016) · Computers in Human Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.chb.2016.06.011 · Cited by 277 · see citing works
“, “… hinders my personal growth.”) were developed based on prior research (e.g., Beutel et al., 2011; Kross et al., 2013; Sagioglou & Greitemeyer, 2014) that assessed negative consequences of Internet use on different well-being dimensions (e.g., global, affective, or social well-being, Huta &…”
MethodBeutel, M. E., Klein, E. M., Aufenanger, S., Brähler, E., Dreier, M., Müller, K. W., Quiring, O., Reinecke, L., Schmutzer, G., Stark, B., et al. (2016) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0148054 · Cited by 256 · see citing works
“Online activities providing constant distractions from scheduled tasks may encourage procrastination and can even considered as a key aspect of problematic internet use, a phenomenon which affects mainly the young generation [43; 44].”
BackgroundSelf-citationMei, S., Yau, Y. H. C., Chai, J., Guo, J., & Potenza, M. N. (2016) · Addictive Behaviors · doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.05.009 · Cited by 248 · see citing works
“This result appears to differ from previous findings in adults that suggest Internet use is associated with higher social status (determined by income and education) (Beutel et al., 2011).”
ResultPrecursor or Sequela: Pathological Disorders in People with Internet Addiction Disorder
Dong, G., Lu, Q., Zhou, H., & Zhao, X. (2011) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0014703 · Cited by 220 · see citing works
Digital inequality in communication during a time of physical distancing: The case of COVID-19
Nguyen, M. H., Hargittai, E., & Marler, W. (2021) · Computers in Human Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.chb.2021.106717 · Cited by 160 · see citing works
“This may include turning to online gaming for coping with negative emotions (Beutel et al., 2011), such as might arise during a public health crisis.”
BackgroundBallabio, M., Griffiths, M. D., Urbán, R., Quartiroli, A., Demetrovics, Z., & Király, O. (2017) · Addiction Research & Theory · doi:10.1080/16066359.2017.1305360 · Cited by 145 · see citing works
“However, problematic online leisure-time was associated with a higher rate of depersonalisation and a loss of contact with reality in a representative survey of the German population (Beutel et al. 2011).”
BackgroundMüller, K. W., Glaesmer, H., Brähler, E., Wölfling, K., & Beutel, M. E. (2013) · Behaviour and Information Technology · doi:10.1080/0144929x.2013.810778 · Cited by 139 · see citing works
Self-citationYadav, P., Banwari, G. H., Parmar, C. D., & Maniar, R. (2013) · Asian Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2013.06.004 · Cited by 123 · see citing works
Psychological Restoration through Indoor and Outdoor Leisure Activities
Weng, P.-Y., & Chiang, Y.-C. (2014) · Journal of Leisure Research · doi:10.1080/00222216.2014.11950320 · Cited by 121 · see citing works
“The consequent lack of outdoor activity participation in natural environments has led to people’s growing inability to relieve daily life pressures and stresses through nature (Beutel et al., 2011; Leung, 2007; Velezmoro et al., 2010).”
BackgroundExposure to online hate material and social trust among Finnish youth
Näsi, M., Räsänen, P., E.Hawdon, J., Holkeri, E., & Oksanen, A. (2015) · Information Technology and People · doi:10.1108/itp-09-2014-0198 · Cited by 108 · see citing works
Bischof-Kastner, C., Kuntsche, E., & Wolstein, J. (2014) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/jmir.3398 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
“This situation can be clearly explained by the fact that the Internet is a convenient source of information, social contacts, education, shopping, and recreational activities [6-10] that simplifies everyday life.”
Reinecke, L., Meier, A., Beutel, M. E., Schemer, C., Stark, B., Wölfling, K., & Müller, K. W. (2018) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00913 · Cited by 80 · see citing works
Self-citationM, S. R. R. (2015) · Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy · doi:10.4172/2155-6105.1000209 · Cited by 71 · see citing works
“[23] Representative sample of N=1401 females, N=1111 males between the ages of 14 and 94 years; randomly selected subjects Face-to-face interviews, Cambridge Depersonalization Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Internet use was measured with single items There was no difference between problematic and norma…”
MethodResultProblematic Internet use, mental health and impulse control in an online survey of adults
Yau, Y. H. C., Potenza, M. N., & White, M. A. (2012) · Journal of Behavioral Addictions · doi:10.1556/jba.1.2012.015 · Cited by 70 · see citing works
“Internet use among the general population appears to be increasingly common (Beutel et al., 2011; Pew Research, 2011).”
BackgroundReinecke, L., Meier, A., Aufenanger, S., Beutel, M. E., Dreier, M., Quiring, O., Stark, B., Wölfling, K., & Müller, K. W. (2018) · New Media & Society · doi:10.1177/1461444816675437 · Cited by 70 · see citing works
“Two representative survey studies with German Internet users by Beutel et al. (2011) and by Müller et al. (2013) tested the relationship between excessive and uncontrolled Internet use and self-reported negative consequences of Internet use with regard to social life, leisure time, family life,…”
BackgroundResultSelf-citationElliott, L. C., Ream, G. L., McGinsky, E., & Dunlap, E. (2012) · International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction · doi:10.1007/s11469-012-9391-4 · Cited by 66 · see citing works
“…in motivations for play (Klimmt et al. 2009; Lucas and Sherry 2004), which may ultimately predispose men and women to differing degrees of problem use based on higher male participation in online gaming in general (Beutel et al. 2011) and preferences for distinct game styles (Mentzoni et al. 2011).”
Reiner, I., Tibubos, A. N., Hardt, J., Müller, K., Wölfling, K., & Beutel, M. E. (2017) · European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry · doi:10.1007/s00787-017-0984-0 · Cited by 76 · see citing works
“1 3 Private access and use of the internet have been associated with higher socioeconomic status [6], and social media have become a favored means of communication for adolescents and young adults.”
BackgroundSelf-citationNeural substrates of risky decision making in individuals with internet addiction
Seok, J.-W., Lee, K. H., Sohn, S., & Sohn, J.-H. (2015) · Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1177/0004867415598009 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
“8% of the total population in Germany (Beutel et al., 2011) and 10.”
BackgroundInfluentialJäger, S., Müller, K. W., Ruckes, C., Wittig, T., Batra, A., Musalek, M., Mann, K. F., Wölfling, K., & Beutel, M. E. (2012) · Trials · doi:10.1186/1745-6215-13-43 · Cited by 62 · see citing works
“[1].”
Self-citationJahan, S. M., Hossain, S. R., Sayeed, U. B., Wahab, A., Rahman, T., & Hossain, A. (2019) · Sleep and Biological Rhythms · doi:10.1007/s41105-019-00219-y · Cited by 60 · see citing works
Lam, L. T.-M., & Wong, E. M. Y. (2015) · Journal of Adolescent Health · doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2014.10.263 · Cited by 58 · see citing works
Schimmenti, A., Musetti, A., Costanzo, A., Terrone, G., Maganuco, N. R., Rinella, C. A., & Gervasi, A. M. (2019) · International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction · doi:10.1007/s11469-019-00079-0 · Cited by 55 · see citing works
Reader and author gender and genre in Goodreads
Thelwall, M. A. (2017) · Journal of Librarianship and Information Science · doi:10.1177/0961000617709061 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
“…the 20th century, book reading for pleasure seems to have declined in popularity, probably due to competition from alternative forms of entertainment, such as TV, smartphones and (perhaps) the Internet (e.g. Beutel et al., 2011; Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015; Griswold et al., 2005; Smith, 2009).”
BackgroundInterventions for Digital Addiction: Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses
Lu, P., Qiu, J., Huang, S., Wang, X., Han, S., Zhu, S., Ning, Y., Zeng, F., & Yuan, Y. (2024) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/59656 · Cited by 57 · see citing works
“Beute et al [16] report that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can play a role in treating adolescent internet addiction (IA) .”
Correlates of Internet Addiction among Adolescents
Waldo, A. D. (2014) · Psychology · doi:10.4236/psych.2014.518203 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
“Despite efforts made to reach one uniform definition, and inclusion in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 (DSM5), the authoritative guidebook for the diagnoses of psychiatric disorders by the American Psychiatric Association, difficulty establishing a coherent picture for this disorder is often encountered by res…”
BackgroundDigital Addiction: Negative Life Experiences and Potential for Technology-Assisted Solutions
Cham, S., Algashami, A. M., Aldhayan, M., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K. T., Almourad, M. B., & Ali, R. (2019) · Advances in intelligent systems and computing · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-16184-2_87 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Suchtartige Internetnutzung als komorbide Störung im jugendpsychiatrischen Setting
Müller, K. W., Ammerschläger, M., Freisleder, F. J., Beutel, M. E., & Wölfling, K. (2012) · Zeitschrift für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und Psychotherapie · doi:10.1024/1422-4917/a000190 · Cited by 41 · see citing works
Self-citationSevelko, K., Bischof, G., Bischof, A., Besser, B., John, U., Meyer, C., & Rumpf, H. (2018) · Journal of Behavioral Addictions · doi:10.1556/2006.7.2018.130 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
“Research conducted over the past years found that IA is linked to substance abuse, depression, social phobia and phobic anxiety, and antisocial/aggressive behavior (Beutel et al., 2011; Ko et al., 2006; Kuss et al., 2014).”
BackgroundTrait Anxiety and Social Media Fatigue: Fear of Missing Out as a Mediator
Świątek, A. H., Szczęśniak, M., & Bielecka, G. (2021) · Psychology Research and Behavior Management · doi:10.2147/prbm.s319379 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
Internet use and leisure time physical activity of adults – A nationwide survey
Zach, S., & Lissitsa, S. (2016) · Computers in Human Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.chb.2016.02.077 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
Gan, W., Ouyang, J., She, G., Xue, Z., Zhu, L., Lin, A., Mou, W., Jiang, A., Chang, Q., Cheng, Q., et al. (2025) · International Journal of Surgery · doi:10.1097/js9.0000000000002223 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
“In such circumstances, patients often turn to the Internet for relevant information [ 49 ] ; however, lacking professional medical knowledge, they struggle to accurately evaluate the reliability of this information, potentially exacerbating their anxiety and depression [ 50 , 51 ] .”
How Customer Expectations Become Adjusted After Purchase
Lin, C., & Lekhawipat, W. (2016) · International Journal of Electronic Commerce · doi:10.1080/10864415.2016.1171973 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
“Among the various survey channels, online surveys are increasingly popular due to their greater convenience compared to paper samples [7].”
BackgroundThe Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Internet Addiction Among Youth and Adults
Saraiva, J., Esgalhado, G., Pereira, H., Monteiro, S., Afonso, R. M., & Loureiro, M. J. (2018) · Journal of Addictions Nursing · doi:10.1097/jan.0000000000000209 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
“These results are consistent with those seen in the literature, which finds that younger individuals, particularly teenagers, are at an increased risk of Internet addiction (Beutel et al., 2011; Chen & Fu, 2009; Hasanzadeh et al., 2012; Sato, 2006).”
ResultInternet Addiction: A Closer Look at Multidimensional Parenting Practices and Child Mental Health
Hsieh, Y., Shen, A. C., Wei, H.-S., Feng, J., Huang, C., & Hwa, H. (2018) · Cyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking · doi:10.1089/cyber.2018.0435 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
Prevalence and determinants of online-sex use in the German population
Beutel, M. E., Giralt, S., Wölfling, K., Stöbel-Richter, Y., Subic-Wrana, C., Reiner, I., Tibubos, A. N., & Brähler, E. (2017) · PLOS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0176449 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
Self-citationLai, C., Altavilla, D., Mazza, M., Scappaticci, S., Tambelli, R., Aceto, P., Luciani, M., Corvino, S., Martinelli, D., Alimonti, F., et al. (2017) · Journal of Mental Health · doi:10.1080/09638237.2017.1294745 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
“…al., 2014; Ko et al., 2012; Shaffer et al., 2000; Tonioni et al., 2014, 2012; Yen et al., 2007) with dissociative phenomena (Bernardi & Pallanti, 2009; Beutel et al., 2011; Canan et al., 2012) and with suicidal ideation and attempt in the most serious cases (Lin et al., 2014; Pompili et al., 2012).”
BackgroundXue, Q., Yang, J., Wang, H., & Zhang, D. (2022) · Psychology Research and Behavior Management · doi:10.2147/prbm.s344717 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
Park, S., Lee, Y. A., & Jun, J. Y. (2017) · Psychiatry Research · doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2017.07.078 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
“, 2012), emotional difficulties (Beutel et al., 2011; Liu et al., 2011; Park et al., 2013; Şaşmaz et al., 2013), and social deficits such as family discord (Lam et al.”
BackgroundInfluentialGermani, A., Lopez, A., Martini, E., Cicchella, S., Fortuna, A. M. D., Dragone, M., Pizzini, B., Troisi, G., & Picione, R. D. L. (2023) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph20146431 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
“On the other hand, internet usage can elicit dissociative experiences, such as absorption, immersion, and imaginative involvement, with experiences of unreality or detachment from one’s mind, self or body/one’s surroundings [62].”
BackgroundAn exploratory examination of At-Risk/Problematic Internet Use and disordered eating in adults
Ivezaj, V., Potenza, M. N., Grilo, C. M., & White, M. A. (2015) · Addictive Behaviors · doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2015.11.015 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Time Estimates of Internet Surfing and Video Gaming
Bisson, N., & Grondin, S. (2013) · Timing & Time Perception · doi:10.1163/22134468-00002002 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Zhang, Y., Li, G., Liu, C., Chen, H., Guo, J., & Shi, Z. (2023) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1111195 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
“IA damages students’ physical and mental health and triggers a series of serious consequences, which is an urgent problem for families, schools, and society (Beutel et al., 2011; Zhou et al., 2011; Li et al., 2015).”
BackgroundGender difference in online activities that determine problematic internet use
Dufour, M., Brunelle, N., Khazaal, Y., Tremblay, J., Leclerc, D., Cousineau, M., Rousseau, M., Légaré, A.-A., & Berbiche, D. (2017) · Journal de Thérapie Comportementale et Cognitive · doi:10.1016/j.jtcc.2017.05.002 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
SPOR BİLİMLERİ FAKÜLTESİ ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN REKREASYON ALANI KULLANIMLARINA İLİŞKİN ENGEL VE TERCİHLERİ
GÖNEN, M., Ceyhan, M. A., ÇAKIR, Z., Zorba, E., & COŞKUNTÜRK, O. S. (2022) · The Online Journal of Recreation and Sport · doi:10.22282/ojrs.2022.109 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
Prevalence of problematic internet use in Slovenia
Macur, M., Király, O., Maráz, A., Nagygyörgy, K., & Demetrovics, Z. (2016) · Slovenian Journal of Public Health · doi:10.1515/sjph-2016-0026 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
“Problematic Internet use appears to be more common among young and unmarried individuals as well as among males (28).”
BackgroundYang, T., Yu, L., Oliffe, J. L., Jiang, S., & Si, Q. (2017) · European Journal of Public Health · doi:10.1093/eurpub/ckx141 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
Chang, Y.-Z., Ko, C.-Y., Hsiao, C.-J., Chen, R.-J., Yu, C.-W. F., Cheng, Y.-W., Chang, T.-F., & Chao, C. (2015) · Journal of Applied Sciences · doi:10.3923/jas.2015.277.282 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Usage of Mobile Phone Applications and Its Impact on Teaching and Learning
Davidovitch, N., & Yavich, R. (2018) · International Journal of Higher Education · doi:10.5430/ijhe.v7n1p1 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Predictive factors and psychosocial effects of Internet addictive behaviors in Cypriot adolescents
Critselis, E., Janikian, M., Paleomilitou, N., Oikonomou, D., Kassinopoulos, M., Kormas, G., & Τσίτσικα, Ά. (2014) · International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health · doi:10.1515/ijamh-2013-0313 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
Liza, M. M., Iktidar, M. A., Roy, S., Jallow, M., Chowdhury, S., Tabassum, M. N., & Mahmud, T. (2023) · BMJ Paediatrics Open · doi:10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001759 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
Prokrastynacja i prokrastynatorzy. Definicja, etiologia, epidemiologia i terapia
Markiewicz, K. (2019) · Annales Universitatis Mariae Curie-Skłodowska sectio J – Paedagogia-Psychologia · doi:10.17951/j.2018.31.3.195-213 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
Leiner, M. A., Argus‐Calvo, B., Peinado, J., Keller, L., & Blunk, D. I. (2014) · Frontiers in Pediatrics · doi:10.3389/fped.2014.00127 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
“Couns Psychother Res (2006) 6(3):186–90.”
Zukunft der Psychotherapie in der Psychosomatischen Medizin
Beutel, M. E., Kruse, J., Michal, M., & Herzog, W. (2013) · Zeitschrift für psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie · doi:10.13109/zptm.2013.59.1.33 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Self-citationThe development and validation of the Leisure Internet Usage Scale (LIUS)
Şimşek, K. Y., & Çevik, H. (2023) · Leisure Studies · doi:10.1080/02614367.2023.2191978 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
“…diminished psychological well-being, minimised social support, increasing levels of anxiety, and depression have been correlated with excessive internet usage (Beard & Wolf, 2001; Beutel et al., 2011; Blanchard & Henle, 2008; L. Wang et al., 2012; Vandelanotte et al., 2009; Yen et al., 2009).”
BackgroundCaner, S., & Yıldırım, Z. (2022) · International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction · doi:10.1007/s11469-022-00819-9 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Les jeunes et les prises de risque sur Internet
Blaya, C. (2015) · Neuropsychiatrie de l Enfance et de l Adolescence · doi:10.1016/j.neurenf.2015.07.003 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
A linkage between Internet use and tourism activities
Chen, C.-M., Lai, F.-T., & Hua, K.-T. (2017) · Current Issues in Tourism · doi:10.1080/13683500.2017.1403417 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“This finding matches the one by Beutel et al. (2011) and Wallsten (2013).”
BackgroundResultInfluentialVaghasiya, S., Rajpopat, N., Parmar, B., Tailor, K. A., Patel, H. V., & Varma, J. R. (2023) · Industrial Psychiatry Journal · doi:10.4103/ipj.ipj_53_23 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
“[24] Harm reduction policies need to be framed for problematic smartphone use.”
Yang, J., Bai, W., Guo, T., Zhang, L., Li, Y., Liu, H., Du, X., Cai, H. X., Balbuena, L., An, F., et al. (2022) · Journal of Affective Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.jad.2022.06.067 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Gender Difference in the Motives for the Use of Facebook
Makashvili, M., Ujmajuridze, B., Amirejibi, T., Kotetishvili, B., & Barbakadze, S. (2013) · Asian Journal of Humanities and Social Studies · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Chai, A. (2012) · Jahrbücher für Nationalökonomie und Statistik · doi:10.1515/jbnst-2012-0608 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
German Anxiety Barometer—Clinical and Everyday-Life Anxieties in the General Population
Adolph, D., Schneider, S., & Margraf, J. (2016) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01344 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Bauernhofer, K., Papousek, I., Fink, A., Unterrainer, ., & Weiss, E. M. (2016) · Neuropsychiatrie · doi:10.1007/s40211-015-0169-3 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
ICT Disparities In Finland - Access and Implications
Näsi, M. (2013) · UTUPub (University of Turku) · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Adverse childhood experiences in persons with excessive and destructive online behaviour
Marx, C. M., Müller, K. W., & Beutel, M. E. (2021) · Cyberpsychology Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace · doi:10.5817/cp2021-3-5 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“In a representative population survey (Beutel et al., 2011) male Internet users reported online sex use 4 times more often (21.”
BackgroundInfluentialSelf-citationPrasad, A., & Kadhiravan, S. (2024) · International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction · doi:10.1007/s11469-024-01293-1 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“This work provides valuable insights into the underlying causes of problematic digital behavior, offering a nuanced understanding of the etiological factors at play (Beutel et al., 2011), and emphasizes the significant influence and activity within the scholarly discourse on the topic.”
InfluentialCravens, J. D. (2013) · ThinkTech (Texas Tech University) · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Internet Addiction: A Clinical Perspective
Kuss, D. J. (2016) · Palgrave Macmillan UK eBooks · doi:10.1057/9781137517036_6 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Self-citationInternet Addiction and Cybercrime
Schell, B. H. (2020) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-78440-3_26 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Therapie der Computerspiel- und Internetsucht
Wölfling, K., & Leménager, T. (2011) · SUCHT - Zeitschrift für Wissenschaft und Praxis / Journal of Addiction Research and Practice · doi:10.1024/0939-5911.a000116 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Self-citationAssociation addictive behavior to social networks high school students: A study in Mexico
Sánchez, F. J. G., & Gutiérrez–García, R. A. (2021) · Gaceta Médica de Caracas · doi:10.47307/gmc.2021.129.s1.5 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Analysis of Procrastination at Work and Employee Demographic Profiles in Slovak Smes
Hutmanová, N., Hajduová, Z., Dorčák, P., & Fóthy, N. (2024) · Central European Business Review · doi:10.18267/j.cebr.377 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Computerspiel- und Internetsucht
Beutel, M. E., Wölfling, K., Müller, K. W., Mulot, C., & Subič-Wrana, C. (2011) · Psychotherapeut · doi:10.1007/s00278-011-0856-x · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Self-citationPandey, S. (2024) · Texila international journal of academic research · doi:10.21522/tijar.2014.11.02.art012 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Online Usage Among College Students: A Comparison of Online Gaming and Facebook Users
Ingram, J. M. (2016) · ScholarWorks (Central Washington University) · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Brkljačić, T., Majetić, F., & Wertag, A. (2017) · Advances in human and social aspects of technology book series · doi:10.4018/978-1-5225-3477-8.ch004 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“Various research confirmed positive relationship between higher consumption and a higher level of addiction (e.g. Chen & Fu, 2009, Beutel et al., 2011; Frangos, Frangos & Sotiropoulos, 2011).”
BackgroundValidación de una escala para evaluar la adicción a Internet
Ruíz-García, R. I., Mejía, J. C. J., & Miranda, F. (2022) · African journal of rhetoric · doi:10.21134/haaj.v22i2.675 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Factors Responsible for Internet Addiction among Adolescents of Central India
Dr Atul Goswami, M. B. B. S. (2018) · Journal of Medical Science And clinical Research · doi:10.18535/jmscr/v6i4.42 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
محمد, ع. (2020) · مجلة دراسات في الخدمة الاجتماعية والعلوم الإنسانية · doi:10.21608/jsswh.2020.46400.1170 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Камінська, А. (2024) · Перспективи та інновації науки · doi:10.52058/2786-4952-2024-2(36)-1092-1104 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Computer and Internet Use Among Children and Adolescents in Greece: Levels of Addiction
Toska, A. G., Karampelas, K., Fradelos, Ε. C., Sarafis, P., Papathanasiou, I. V., Koutelekos, I. G., Petsios, K. T., Togas, C., Notou, A., & Saridi, M. (2024) · Cureus · doi:10.7759/cureus.75942 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Networks of Digital Addiction Symptoms
Hu, M., Lyu, W., Lü, J., Wang, M., & Zheng, H. (2026) · Cyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking · doi:10.1177/21522715251401080 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“31 Social media addiction can pave the way for broader Internet addiction.”
Internet Addiction among Students: The Relation of Depression
Singh, S. K. (2015) · International Journal of Indian Psychology · doi:10.25215/0204.061 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
“This provides support to the findings of Sato (2009) and Beutel (2011) utilizing teenage population for the comparison on gender difference on internet © The International Journal of Indian Psychology | 29 addiction.”
ResultProblems of organizing digital leisure in foreign research practice
DOLZHENKOVA, M. I., & Бортникова, Т. Г. (2021) · Вестник Тамбовского университета. Серия: Гуманитарные науки · doi:10.20310/1810-0201-2021-26-195-210-222 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Internet Addiction and Cybercrime
Schell, B. H. (2019) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-90307-1_26-1 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Hutmanová, N., Hajduová, Z., Dorčák, P., & Laskovský, V. (2024) · Journal of Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues · doi:10.9770/jesi.2024.11.3(11 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Volný čas ve výzkumném diskursu v konsekvencích témat sociální pedagogiky
Kolaříková, V., & Němec, J. (2017) · Sociální pedagogika / Social Education · doi:10.7441/soced.2017.05.01.01 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Online self-help programs to reduce psychological distress in Mexican college students
Gutiérrez–García, R. A., Amador‐Licona, N., Ruíz, A. S., & Reyes, P. L. F. (2021) · Gaceta Médica de Caracas · doi:10.47307/gmc.2021.129.s1.6 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Interventions to digital addiction: An umbrella review of meta-analyses (Preprint)Preprint
Lu, P., Qiu, J., Huang, S., Wang, X., Zhu, S., Zeng, F., & Yuan, Y. (2024) · doi:10.2196/preprints.59656 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Davidovitch, N. (2018) · Journal of Education and e-Learning Research · doi:10.20448/journal.509.2018.52.96.101
Kotliar, L. I. (2021) · Scientific Notes of Taurida V I Vernadsky University series Public Administration · doi:10.32838/tnu-2663-6468/2021.4/16
Cyber-Psychopathy Trait as Predictor of Cybersex Addiction among University Students
Bilal, A., Nadeem, A., & Saleem, M. (2022) · Pakistan Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences · doi:10.52131/pjhss.2022.1001.0170
Brkljačić, T., Majetić, F., & Wertag, A. (2019) · IGI Global eBooks · doi:10.4018/978-1-5225-8900-6.ch026
XYZ Kuşaklarında Boş Zaman İnternet Kullanımı Alışkanlıkları
Şimşek, K. Y. (2024) · GSI Journals Serie A Advancements in Tourism Recreation and Sports Sciences · doi:10.53353/atrss.1329036
Interventions to digital addiction: An umbrella review of meta-analyses (Preprint)Preprint
Lu, P., Qiu, J., Huang, S., Wang, X., Zhu, S., Zeng, F., & Yuan, Y. (2024) · doi:10.2196/preprints.59437
Pandey, S. (2024) · Texila international journal of academic research · doi:10.21522/tijar.2014.11.02.art014
- Authors
- Beutel, M. E., Brähler, E., Glaesmer, H., Kuss, D. J., Wölfling, K., & Müller, K. W.
- Affiliations
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (DE)
- University Hospital Leipzig (DE)
- Corresponding author
- Kuss, Daria J.
- Venue
- Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2011-05
- Volume
- 14
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 291-296
- ISSN
- 2152-2715 (ISSN-L)
- 2152-2723
- OpenAlex
- W2081835674
- Cited by
- 109
- References
- 20
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 11 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 8 · 2013: 7 · 2012: 6
- FWCI
- 16.63
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Cyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Nottingham Trent University's Institutional Repository (Nottingham Trent Repository) (acceptedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Gambling Behavior and Treatments
- Keywords
- problematic internet use, internet addiction, online games, online gambling, online sex, depersonalization, depression, anxiety, online shopping, online chat, online communities, socioeconomic status, German population
- MeSH terms
- Activities of Daily Living, Adolescent, Adult, Affect, Age Factors, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Female, Gambling, Germany, Humans, Leisure Activities, Male, Middle Aged, Surveys and Questionnaires, Sex Factors, Social Support, Health Behavior, Behavior, Addictive, Internet
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
