Work

Problematic Use of the Internet and Cybervictimization: An Empirical Study with Spanish Adolescents

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Adolescence is a critical stage for development of behaviours related to problematic Internet and social media use, as well as for the experience of cybervictimization. The literature highlights the need of examine these types of adolescent behaviours. Method: A field study was designed to analyze the prevalence of problematic Internet and social media use, as well as cybervictimization, sexting, and grooming. A full of 666 Spanish adolescents participated, 55.4% females and 44.6% males, with an age range between 14 and 18 years (M = 15.27, SD = 1.01). Results: The results showed that 15.8% of the participants were diagnosed as at risk for Internet and social media addiction; 27.2% of the participants were diagnosed as cyberbullying victims; 14.7% of the sample engaged in sexting behaviours, and 34.7% engaged in grooming behaviours. Additionally, significant gender differences were found in cybervictimization behaviours, with female scoring higher. Conclusions: The findings are discussed in relation to the need of develop preventive and educational strategies that promote safe and responsible use of the digital context.

Source: Behavioral Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/bs15060810

Authors: Verónica Marcos, Francisca Fariña, Manuel Isorna, Santiago López-Roel, Katia Rolán

Institutions: Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Valencian International University, UNESCO, Universidade de Vigo

Language: English

Topic: Impact of Technology on Adolescents

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654