Topic 2 A discussion about the term “problematic” and the key criteria for problematic Internet use

Module 6 Problematic Internet Use Identification and Management Techniques for Parents Unit 1 Identifying problematic Internet use Topic 2 A discussion about the term “problematic” and the key criteria for problematic Internet use

Internet is not a substance.
Problematic Internet use encompasses various online behaviours that can spur out of control in a small number of people:
- Problematic online gaming
- Problematic social media use
- Compulsive online buying-shopping
- Problematic online gambling
- Problematic online pornography use.
However, only gambling disorder is recognized as an official disorder and gaming disorder is about to be recognized by the WHO. Other problematic internet behaviors are not recognized disorders as more research is needed.

So:
- Problematic Internet use is an umbrella term that can refer to a variety of different behaviors, such as the ones mentioned above. It is important to stress what particular behavior are we referring to.

The key criterion for Problematic Internet Use is:

functional impairment (i.e., that it causes the person problems in school life, social life and other forms of functioning) This is the European Parliament’s functional definition.

There are other criteria that identify specific forms of problematic use of the internet:

ICD-11 criteria (next slide) are available for Gaming Disorder only, but they can be useful when thinking about other potentially problematic modes of Internet use as well.
Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), is a questionnaire available for detecting the problematic use of social media.