Generalised and specific problematic internet use among Spanish university students: Prevalence, co-occurrence, and related variables

Uso problemático generalizado y específico de internet entre estudiantes universitarios españoles: Prevalencia, coocurrencia y variables relacionadas

Abstract

Objective: To examine the prevalence and co-occurrence of generalized problematic internet use (GPIU), problematic social media use (PSMU), and problematic online gaming (POG), as well as to identify associated sociodemographic, lifestyle, and internet use factors. Method: A total of 763 university students participated in an online survey. Results: Prevalence rates were 16.3% (GPIU), 8.7% (PSMU), and 1.4% (POG). Co-occurrence rates were 6.6% (GPIU-PSMU), 0.7% (GPIU-POG), 0% (PSMU-POG), and 0.5% (GPIU-PSMU-POG). Female gender was associated with GPIU and PSMU, while male gender was linked to POG. Unemployment was related to POG, alcohol use and poor sleep quality to GPIU, and PSMU. Daily internet use was associated with GPIU; social-related use with GPIU and PSMU; and process-related use with all three behaviours. Conclusions: These findings support the need for differentiated preventive strategies tailored to the specific patterns and correlates of each type of problematic online behaviour.