Social networks and self-function-related interpersonal impairment in problematic Facebook and internet use

Intense engagement with computer-generated environments induces modifications in cognitive strategies and social behavior. However, it can also lead to interpersonal impairments when individuals adopt detrimental strategies. This study investigates the associations between problematic internet use,...

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Main Authors: Imre András Török, Robert Herold, Szabolcs Bandi, Júlia Éva Varga, Sándor Rózsa, Eszter H. Somlai, János Kállai
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-05-01
Series:Computers in Human Behavior Reports
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451958825001125
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author Imre András Török
Robert Herold
Szabolcs Bandi
Júlia Éva Varga
Sándor Rózsa
Eszter H. Somlai
János Kállai
author_facet Imre András Török
Robert Herold
Szabolcs Bandi
Júlia Éva Varga
Sándor Rózsa
Eszter H. Somlai
János Kállai
author_sort Imre András Török
collection DOAJ
description Intense engagement with computer-generated environments induces modifications in cognitive strategies and social behavior. However, it can also lead to interpersonal impairments when individuals adopt detrimental strategies. This study investigates the associations between problematic internet use, problematic Facebook use, self-concept clarity, and interpersonal activities among young adults. The sample consisted of 640 college students. Results indicated that individuals with lower self-concept clarity, higher anxiety, increased absorption capability, and more pronounced schizotypal traits were more likely to exhibit problematic Facebook and Internet behaviors. The problematic Facebook activity was linked to negative emotions and stress; however, it contributed to mental health stability. Utilizing Facebook to construct desired social support can alleviate negative emotions; however, a similar compensatory effect was not observed in cases of problematic Internet use. Consequently, heightened immersion in digital environments is associated with individuals' sensitivity to self-referential cues, resulting in diverse outcomes in interpersonal adaptation, depending on the behavioral strategies utilized.
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publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher Elsevier
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series Computers in Human Behavior Reports
spelling doaj-art-8c1e0d2b03da4d29b353e00cefa0face2025-08-20T02:17:19ZengElsevierComputers in Human Behavior Reports2451-95882025-05-011810069710.1016/j.chbr.2025.100697Social networks and self-function-related interpersonal impairment in problematic Facebook and internet useImre András Török0Robert Herold1Szabolcs Bandi2Júlia Éva Varga3Sándor Rózsa4Eszter H. Somlai5János Kállai6Kiskunhalas Semmelweis Hospital, University Teaching Hospital, Psychiatry Unit, Kiskunhalas, HungaryDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, HungaryDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, HungaryDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, HungaryInstitute of Psychology, Károli Gáspár Reformed Church University, Budapest, HungaryFaculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, HungaryInstitute of Behavioral Sciences, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary; Corresponding author.Intense engagement with computer-generated environments induces modifications in cognitive strategies and social behavior. However, it can also lead to interpersonal impairments when individuals adopt detrimental strategies. This study investigates the associations between problematic internet use, problematic Facebook use, self-concept clarity, and interpersonal activities among young adults. The sample consisted of 640 college students. Results indicated that individuals with lower self-concept clarity, higher anxiety, increased absorption capability, and more pronounced schizotypal traits were more likely to exhibit problematic Facebook and Internet behaviors. The problematic Facebook activity was linked to negative emotions and stress; however, it contributed to mental health stability. Utilizing Facebook to construct desired social support can alleviate negative emotions; however, a similar compensatory effect was not observed in cases of problematic Internet use. Consequently, heightened immersion in digital environments is associated with individuals' sensitivity to self-referential cues, resulting in diverse outcomes in interpersonal adaptation, depending on the behavioral strategies utilized.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451958825001125AbsorptionFacebookInternetMagical thinkingMental healthSchizotypal traits
spellingShingle Imre András Török
Robert Herold
Szabolcs Bandi
Júlia Éva Varga
Sándor Rózsa
Eszter H. Somlai
János Kállai
Social networks and self-function-related interpersonal impairment in problematic Facebook and internet use
Computers in Human Behavior Reports
Absorption
Facebook
Internet
Magical thinking
Mental health
Schizotypal traits
title Social networks and self-function-related interpersonal impairment in problematic Facebook and internet use
title_full Social networks and self-function-related interpersonal impairment in problematic Facebook and internet use
title_fullStr Social networks and self-function-related interpersonal impairment in problematic Facebook and internet use
title_full_unstemmed Social networks and self-function-related interpersonal impairment in problematic Facebook and internet use
title_short Social networks and self-function-related interpersonal impairment in problematic Facebook and internet use
title_sort social networks and self function related interpersonal impairment in problematic facebook and internet use
topic Absorption
Facebook
Internet
Magical thinking
Mental health
Schizotypal traits
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451958825001125
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