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Firth J, Torous J, López-Gil JF, Linardon J, Milton A, Lambert J, Smith L, Jarić I, Fabian H, Vancampfort D, Onyeaka H, Schuch FB, Firth JA. From "online brains" to "online lives": understanding the individualized impacts of Internet use across psychological, cognitive and social dimensions. World Psychiatry 2024; 23:176-190. [PMID: 38727074 PMCID: PMC11083903 DOI: 10.1002/wps.21188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In response to the mass adoption and extensive usage of Internet-enabled devices across the world, a major review published in this journal in 2019 examined the impact of Internet on human cognition, discussing the concepts and ideas behind the "online brain". Since then, the online world has become further entwined with the fabric of society, and the extent to which we use such technologies has continued to grow. Furthermore, the research evidence on the ways in which Internet usage affects the human mind has advanced considerably. In this paper, we sought to draw upon the latest data from large-scale epidemiological studies and systematic reviews, along with randomized controlled trials and qualitative research recently emerging on this topic, in order to now provide a multi-dimensional overview of the impacts of Internet usage across psychological, cognitive and societal outcomes. Within this, we detail the empirical evidence on how effects differ according to various factors such as age, gender, and usage types. We also draw from new research examining more experiential aspects of individuals' online lives, to understand how the specifics of their interactions with the Internet, and the impact on their lifestyle, determine the benefits or drawbacks of online time. Additionally, we explore how the nascent but intriguing areas of culturomics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality are changing our understanding of how the Internet can interact with brain and behavior. Overall, the importance of taking an individualized and multi-dimensional approach to how the Internet affects mental health, cognition and social functioning is clear. Furthermore, we emphasize the need for guidelines, policies and initiatives around Internet usage to make full use of the evidence available from neuroscientific, behavioral and societal levels of research presented herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Firth
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - John Torous
- Division of Digital Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - José Francisco López-Gil
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de las Americas, Quito, Ecuador
- Department of Environmental Health, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jake Linardon
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Alyssa Milton
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian Research Council, Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Lee Smith
- Centre for Health Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ivan Jarić
- Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Hannah Fabian
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Davy Vancampfort
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- University Psychiatric Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Henry Onyeaka
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Felipe B Schuch
- Department of Sports Methods and Techniques, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
- Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Institute of Health Sciences, Universidad Autônoma de Chile, Providência, Chile
| | - Josh A Firth
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Visier-Alfonso ME, Sánchez-López M, Rodríguez-Martín B, Ruiz-Hermosa A, Bartolomé-Gutiérrez R, Sequí-Domínguez I, Martínez-Vizcaíno V. Parents' Perceptions of Children's and Adolescents' Use of Electronic Devices to Promote Physical Activity: Systematic Review of Qualitative Evidence. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e44753. [PMID: 37471127 PMCID: PMC10401398 DOI: 10.2196/44753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of physical activity (PA) electronic devices offers a unique opportunity to engage children and adolescents in PA. For this age group (2-17 years), parents play a key role in promoting healthy lifestyles and regulating the use of electronic devices. Therefore, parents' perceptions of the use of electronic devices for PA in children and adolescents are critical for efficient intervention. OBJECTIVE The aim of this qualitative systematic review was to improve the understanding of parents' perceptions of the use of electronic devices for PA in children and adolescents. METHODS A systematic search of electronic databases (Medline/PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Scopus, OpenGrey, and Deep Blue) was conducted. Studies from inception (2010) to May 2022 were identified. Qualitative studies on the perceptions of healthy children's and adolescents' (aged 2-17 years) parents regarding PA interventions performed on electronic devices were included according to the Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group Guidance Series and the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) statement. The Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument was used for methodological validity. RESULTS In total, 18 studies with 410 parents, mostly mothers, were included. Parents' perceptions were grouped into 4 categories: usefulness, advantages, general perceptions (electronic devices for health promotion, preferences for real-life PA, and concerns), and acceptability (barriers and facilitators) of electronic devices for PA. Parents perceived electronic devices as useful for increasing PA, learning new skills, and increasing motivation for PA and valued those devices that promoted socialization and family and peer bonding. In terms of general perceptions, parents had positive attitudes toward PA electronic devices; however, they preferred outdoor and real-life PA, especially for preschoolers and children. Concerns, such as physical and psychological harm, addiction, conflicts, and compliance difficulties, were found. Facilitators were identified as ease of use, appropriate feedback, promotion of socialization, and motivational strategies, such as rewards, challenges, and attractiveness. Barriers, such as discomfort, price, and difficulties in using or understanding electronic devices, were also identified. For older children and adolescents, parents were more concerned about high levels of screen time and setting limits on electronic devices and therefore preferred PA electronic devices rather than traditional ones. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the participants had positive attitudes toward electronic devices for PA and perceived them as an effective way to promote PA in children and adolescents. They also perceived several benefits of using electronic devices, such as health promotion, increased awareness and motivation, and socialization, as well as barriers, facilitators, and age differences. The results of this study could provide researchers with insights into designing more effective, age-appropriate PA electronic devices for children and adolescents and improving adherence to their use. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021292340; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=292340.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Beatriz Rodríguez-Martín
- Faculty of Occupational Therapy, Logopedia and Nursing, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Talavera de la Reina, Spain
| | - Abel Ruiz-Hermosa
- Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Body Expression, Faculty of Sports and Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | | | | | - Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain
- Health and Social Research Center, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain
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Schuster AM, Cotten SR, Meshi D. Established Adults, Who Self-Identify as Smartphone and/or Social Media Overusers, Struggle to Balance Smartphone Use for Personal and Work Purposes. JOURNAL OF ADULT DEVELOPMENT 2022; 30:78-89. [PMID: 36101741 PMCID: PMC9454384 DOI: 10.1007/s10804-022-09426-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Smartphone ownership and use continues to proliferate, allowing people to easily access online communication, entertainment, and information. Importantly, individuals can perceive that they overuse their smartphone and/or the social media applications (apps) they access on their devices. Much of the research on smartphone overuse has focused on youth and emerging adults, with little research focusing on individuals in the established adulthood stage of life. This study examines smartphone use among established adults who perceive that they overuse their smartphone and/or social media. As part of a larger study, we conducted in-depth interviews with 21 individuals (30-45 years old) who self-identified as smartphone and/or social media overusers. Data were collected through a pre-survey, 1-hour interview, and smartphone use screenshots. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and then coded using NVivo software. Participants' average age was 35.9 years (SD = 4.1). The majority of the sample were female (67%), White (76%), and had a master's degree or higher (76%). Participants spent an average of 215 min on their smartphone daily, primarily using social media, video conferencing, and texting apps. Issues with smartphone use occurred when there was an unclear separation between work and personal use. Participants felt pressure to always respond quickly to work emails. An effort was made to limit smartphone use for work and during family time to be present for their family. Established adults strive to balance smartphone use for personal and work purposes. Creating boundaries for how and when established adults use their smartphone may help them find this balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M. Schuster
- grid.26090.3d0000 0001 0665 0280Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Clemson University, Clemson, SC USA
| | - Shelia R. Cotten
- grid.26090.3d0000 0001 0665 0280Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Clemson University, Clemson, SC USA
- grid.26090.3d0000 0001 0665 0280Department of Communication, Clemson University, Clemson, SC USA
| | - Dar Meshi
- grid.17088.360000 0001 2150 1785Department of Advertising and Public Relations, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI USA
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Ali RA, Alma'aytah MMD. Correlates of parental knowledge about smartphone exposure among young children. Pediatr Int 2022; 64:e15246. [PMID: 35912456 DOI: 10.1111/ped.15246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unhealthy smartphone habits use can impair the health of young children. Smartphone use among young children is affected by several factors of which the most important is parental knowledge pertains to smartphone exposure among young children. In Jordan, no studies have focused on this factor. METHOD A nation-wide cross-sectional survey was distributed to parents of children aged <6 years to assess parental knowledge of smartphone exposure among young children and examine its correlates in Jordan. An online self-reporting questionnaire was administered via Survey Monkey and posted on social media platforms in June 2020. RESULTS A total of 2,781 Jordanian parents completed the survey. During the pandemic the daily hours of Smartphone use among children were significantly higher than prior the coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (2.12 vs. 1.7 h). More than half the children exceeded the recommended daily hours of use. These results were positively associated with increased smartphone use among parents. Overall, the parents proved knowledgeable regarding the effects of excessive smartphone exposure on the health of their children. However, a knowledge deficit was evident in two areas: parental controls on smartphone and safe levels of infant smartphone exposure. The mothers possessed a significantly higher level of knowledge than the fathers. CONCLUSION The results suggest that, in the context Jordan, increasing parental knowledge has the potential to reduce smartphone exposure among young children. Awareness campaigns are needed to enhance parental knowledge of smartphone exposure among young children and the use of parental controls on smartphones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Ahmad Ali
- Department of Maternal and Child Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing - Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Maha Mohammed Deib Alma'aytah
- Department of Maternal and Child Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing - Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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