J Behav Addict. 2016 Mar;5(1):100-107. doi: 10.1556/2006.5.2016.013.
Gámez-Guadix M1, Borrajo E2, Almendros C1.
Abstract
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.
KEYWORDS:
Internet addiction; cyberbullying; meeting strangers online; problematic Internet use; risky behaviors
PMID: 28092196
;