Adolescents' Compulsive Internet Use and Depression: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Results - Time 1: Table 1 shows correlation coefficients for key variables. Conclusion - Time 1: Better coping and social support, less perceived stress, and high self-esteem were associated with lower depression. High social networking and instant messaging, poor coping, and low self-esteem were associated with compulsive Internet use. Results - Longitudinal: High social Internet use (i.e., using instant messaging and social networks) was associated with decreased levels of depression, see Table 2. High support satisfaction, use of social networking, and instant messaging were associated with lower compulsive Internet use (measured as change from Time 1 to Time 2). Conclusion - Longitudinal The effects of social Internet use in combination with different psychosocial factors (i.e., distraction, rumination) seem to have more positive than negative effects on change in depression and the development of compulsive Internet use.