The association between problematic internet use and social anxiety within adolescents and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: Although numerous studies have investigated the association between problematic internet use (PIU) and social anxiety, the findings have no yet reached consistent. The present meta-analysis aims to examine the association between PIU and social anxiety within adolescents and young adults (age range: 14-24 years old).Method: The meta-analysis systematically retrieved the studies prior to September 7, 2023 from Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, CNKI, and CQVIP. The meta-analysis based on random-effects model to conduct the research. Stata Version 17.0 and JASP 16.3.0 was used to analysis.Results: The meta-analysis ultimately included 37 studies (37 effect sizes in total), involving a total of 36,013 subjects. Our findings indicated that the overall correlation between PIU and social anxiety was significant positive [r = 0.333, 95% CI (0.292, 0.373), p < 0.001]. Their association was significantly moderated by publication year, measurement tools for PIU and social anxiety but not significantly by culture context, developmental level and gender.Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that social anxiety is a predictor of the development of PIU in adolescents and young adults. Furthermore, the study also finds the possibility that contemporary adolescents and youth may exhibit a more global behavior pattern, potentially emphasizing fewer differences between cultures, generations and genders.

Automated summary

This meta-analysis examines the association between problematic internet use (PIU) and social anxiety in adolescents and young adults. The findings suggest that social anxiety is a predictor of the development of PIU in this population. Furthermore, the study also finds the possibility of a more global behavior pattern among contemporary adolescents and youth, with fewer differences between cultures, generations, and genders.