Internet use during coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic: Psychiatric history and sociodemographics as predictors

Using machine learning algorithms and techniques for defining the impact of affective temperament types, content search and activities on the internet on the development of problematic internet use in adolescents' population

Background

By using algorithms and Machine Learning - ML techniques, the aim of this research was to determine the impact of the following factors on the development of Problematic Internet Use (PIU): sociodemographic factors, the intensity of using the Internet, different contents accessed on the Internet by adolescents, adolescents' online activities, life habits and different affective temperament types.

Methods

Sample included 2,113 adolescents. The following instruments were used: questionnaire about: socio-demographic characteristics, intensity of the Internet use, content categories and online activities on the Internet; Facebook (FB) usage and life habits; The Internet Use Disorder Scale (IUDS). Based on their scores on the scale, subjects were divided into two groups - with or without PIU; Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego scale for adolescents (A-TEMPS-A).

Results

Various ML classification models on our data set were trained. Binary classification models were created (class-label attribute was PIU value). Models hyperparameters were optimized using grid search method and models were validated using k-fold cross-validation technique. Random forest was the model with the best overall results and the time spent on FB and the cyclothymic temperament were variables of highest importance for these model. We also applied the ML techniques Lasso and ElasticNet. The three most important variables for the development of PIU with both techniques were: cyclothymic temperament, the longer use of the Internet and the desire to use the Internet more than at present time. Group of variables having a protective effect (regarding the prevention of the development of PIU) was found with both techniques. The three most important were: achievement, search for contents related to art and culture and hyperthymic temperament. Next, 34 important variables that explain 0.76% of variance were detected using the genetic algorithms. Finally, the binary classification model (with or without PIU) with the best characteristics was trained using artificial neural network.

Conclusion

Variables related to the temporal determinants of Internet usage, cyclothymic temperament, the desire for increased Internet usage, anxious and irritable temperament, on line gaming, pornography, and some variables related to FB usage consistently appear as important variables for the development of PIU.

Internet Use and Effects on Mental Well-being During the Lockdown Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Younger Versus Older Adults: Observational Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Majority of individuals, including both younger and older adults, had to adapt to digital means to cope with lockdown measures and pandemic-induced lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. While internet accessibility was beneficial during the pandemic, existing literature suggests that excessive use could lead to the rise of problematic internet use in adolescents and younger adults. However, the effects on older adults remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine differences in internet use during the lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and explore how age differences in mental health could be explained by time spent on the internet.

METHODS

A door-to-door survey of a nationally representative sample of 602 adults in Singapore was carried out using computer-assisted personal interviewing during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (October to November 2020). Participants were categorized into younger (21-59 years old) and older (60 years or above) age groups. We assessed self-reported measures of depression, anxiety, and stress; psychosocial adaptability; ability to perform essential activities; social support; health status; digital media use patterns, and time spent on the internet. Procedures complied with existing safe distancing measures.

RESULTS

Older adults reported being less able to use digital platforms to meet needs and acquire information updates compared with younger adults during the lockdown period of the pandemic. Older adults spent significantly less time on the internet for both work and personal uses per day (mean 146.00 min, SD 9.18 min) compared with younger adults (mean 433.27 min, SD 14.32 min). Significant age differences in depression, anxiety, and stress were found, with younger adults showing poorer mental health. Mediation analysis showed that age differences in depression, anxiety, and stress were partially explained by time spent on the internet. These variables together explained 43%, 40%, and 40% of the variances in depression, anxiety, and stress scores, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings showed that younger adults spent significantly more time on the internet compared with older adults during the lockdown phase of the pandemic. They were also ahead in their ability to use digital resources to meet needs and engage socially compared with older adults. Despite this, the mental health of younger adults was poor, and this was partially accounted for by the amount of time spent on the internet. Since past research suggests that excessive time spent on the internet could lead to disordered use, the benefits brought by digital technologies could have been attenuated during the lockdown phase of the pandemic. Considering this potential negative effect, it is imperative to educate both young and old adults in the appropriate use of information and communication technology.

Problematic use of the Internet in low- and middle-income countries before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review

People from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) represent large portions of the world population, often occupy less favorable living conditions, and typically suffer greater health risks, yet frequently receive little research and global health attention. The present study reviews emerging evidence on problematic use of the Internet (PUI) in LMICs prior/during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyzed studies mainly focused on general properties of PUI in university students, problematic gaming in youth, or problematic use of social media in adults, registering higher prevalence estimates, as compared with earlier reports. Research mainly focused on initially affected regions and COVID-exposed populations. Overall, unfavorable circumstances, including poor social support, family relationships, and lifestyle tendencies/habits, may present potential risk for PUI in LMICs, likely exacerbated during the pandemic.

The Evolving Role of Social Media in Pediatric Orthopaedics

BACKGROUND

Social media has grown significantly and its application in health care has been dramatically accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is often considered as a "new dimension" of health care, particularly in its ability to provide health information. In 2017, the top social media sites utilized by pediatric orthopaedic surgeons included Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. In our study, we analyze the current social media usage, trends in Instagram and TikTok content, and the perceptions on social media usage among pediatric orthopaedic surgeons.

METHODS

The Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) membership directory was searched for the presence of social media. A review of all Instagram and TikTok posts made by the POSNA members were reviewed. A survey regarding the perception of social media networks and content was distributed to all POSNA members.

RESULTS

A total of 1231 POSNA members actively practicing in the United States were included in our study. In all, 327 (26.6%) had a LinkedIn profile, 34 (2.8%) had a professional Facebook profile, 15 (1.2%) had a public Instagram account, 0 (0%) had TikTok, and 72 (5.8%) had a professional Twitter account. Fifteen POSNA members with public Instagram accounts had 10,878 followers. A total of 907 Instagram posts were made, 134 (14.8%) of which were education and 462 (50.9%) of which were personal or political. The perception of various social media networks such as Instagram (3.02), Facebook (3.16), and LinkedIn (3.51) were positive on a 5-point Likert scale, while perceptions of TikTok (2.36) and Twitter (2.99) were negative. Educational posts on Instagram (3.19) and Facebook (3.37) were positive.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide an update to the utilization of social media by pediatric orthopaedists. Use of Instagram and TikTok accounts remain rare. Educational posts, when hosted on an appropriate social media platform, are perceived positively among pediatric orthopaedists.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

The Relationship between Internet Addiction, Internet Gaming and Anxiety among Medical Students in a Malaysian Public University during COVID-19 Pandemic

The internet has become an important medium for learning and communication during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for university students. Nevertheless, an increase in internet usage could predispose people to internet addiction (IA) and internet gaming (IG). Equally, there is concern that anxiety levels have increased during the pandemic. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of IA and IG, and their associations with anxiety among medical students during the pandemic. Data were collected during the second wave of the “Conditional Movement Control Order” (CMCO) in Malaysia between 12 November and 10 December 2020. A total of 237 students participated through proportionate stratified random sampling in this cross-sectional study. They completed a set of online questionnaires which consisted of a sociodemographic profile, the Malay version of the internet addiction test (MVIAT), the Malay version of the internet gaming disorder-short form (IGDS9-SF) and the Malay version of the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21). The prevalence of IA and internet gaming disorder (IGD) were 83.5% and 2.5%, respectively. A multiple logistic regression showed that those in pre-clinical years had a greater risk of anxiety than those in clinical years [(AOR) = 2.49, p-value 0.01, 95% CI = 1.22–5.07]. In contrast, those who scored high on IA were protected against anxiety [AOR = 0.100, p-value 0.03, 95% CI = 0.01–0.76)]. In conclusion, IA was highly prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic and its high usage might serve as a protective factor against anxiety among the medical students in this study sample.

Adolescent psychopathological profiles and the outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic: Longitudinal findings from the UK Millennium Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Public health measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 have resulted in adverse effects, including high level of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression.

AIMS

This study explored adolescent psychopathological profiles at age 17, and their role in predicting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at age 19.

METHODS

The analyses used a sample of 904 participants (mean age = 19.17 years) from the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) sweep 7 who completed the mental health questions from January 2018 to March 2019 (mean age = 17.18 years) and the COVID-19 Survey in May 2020. Adolescent psychopathological profiles were identified by means of latent class analysis.

RESULTS

Four psychopathological profiles were identified: "low-symptom class" (60.17% of participants), "high-symptom class" (23.01% of participants), "substance/behavioural addictions class" (12.03% of participants), and "emotion-dysregulation class" (4.79% of participants). Adolescents in the high-symptom and emotional-dysregulation classes had the worst outcome during the lockdown. Specifically, they experienced more stress, conflict and loneliness, and lower levels of perceived social support than adolescents in the other psychopathological classes. Adolescents in the emotional-dysregulation class also consumed more alcohol and had worse financial situation during the lockdown compared to pre- lockdown period.

CONCLUSION

Adolescent psychopathological profiles predicted mental health impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak.

How Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted Internet Use Behaviors and Facilitated Problematic Internet Use? A Bangladeshi Study

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic-related "stay-at-home" and confinement orders has led individuals to be more engaged with technology use (eg, internet use). For a minority of individuals, excessive use can become problematic and addictive. However, the investigation of problematic internet use in the COVID-19 context is only just emerging. Therefore, the present study investigated the changes in internet use behaviors and addiction rates in comparison with prior Bangladeshi studies.

Methods

An online cross-sectional study was carried out among a total of 601 Bangladeshi students between October 7 and November 2, 2020. The survey included questions relating to socio-demographic, behavioral health, online use behaviors, and psychopathological variables.

Results

A quarter of the participants (26%) reported having low levels of internet addiction, whereas 58.6% were classed as having moderate internet addiction and 13% severe internet addiction. A total of 4% of the sample were classed as being at risk of severe internet dependency (ie, scoring over ≥80 on IAT). Risk factors for internet addiction included smartphone addiction, Facebook addiction, depression, and anxiety. However, the final hierarchical regression model comprising all variables explained a total of 70.6% variance of problematic internet use.

Conclusion

Based on the present findings, it is concluded that individuals are at elevated risk of problematic internet use like other psychological impacts that have been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, risk-reducing measures and healthy control use strategies should be implemented for vulnerable individuals.