{"id":862,"date":"2025-04-04T14:59:05","date_gmt":"2025-04-04T14:59:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/e-counselling.e-safety-network.eu\/?p=862"},"modified":"2025-04-04T15:00:57","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T15:00:57","slug":"internet-addiction-trends-age-and-gender-differences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/e-counselling.e-safety-network.eu\/?p=862","title":{"rendered":"Internet Addiction: Trends, Age, and Gender Differences"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Dionisia Tzamalouka, Psychologist at The Smile of the Child<\/h4>\n

Internet addiction is becoming a bigger issue in today’s world, affecting the mental health and well-being of many young people. As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, the number of people struggling with internet addiction has increased, especially among the youth. This article looks at research findings about internet addiction, focusing on age, gender differences, and other factors.<\/p>\n

Prevalence and Global Trends<\/strong><\/p>\n

Recent studies show that internet addiction is a global issue. According to a report by Spherical Insights (2023), over 182 million people worldwide are affected by internet addiction disorder (IAD). This addiction is mostly linked to activities such as gaming, social media use, and browsing the internet. The report highlights that internet addiction has grown over the past decade, with more young people becoming addicted to the internet.<\/p>\n

The European Commission (2023) points out that most people aged 16 to 29 use the internet regularly, with over 90% of young people in developed countries going online. However, while the internet can be useful, it can also become addictive, especially for young people who may struggle to control their online time. Onmed (2023) reports that internet addiction is most common in people aged 18 to 30.<\/p>\n

Age Differences and Internet Addiction<\/strong><\/p>\n

Age plays an important role in internet addiction, with teenagers and young adults being most affected. The European Commission (2023) found that 17% of teenagers report having problems with internet use. Another study by CyberPsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking<\/em> (2014) says that teenagers are more likely to become addicted because they are still developing social and mental skills. They often turn to the internet for fun, socializing, and escape, making them more likely to develop unhealthy online habits.<\/p>\n

Gender Differences in Internet Addiction<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are also differences between boys and girls when it comes to internet addiction. Studies show that while both genders are affected, they use the internet in different ways. Boys tend to get addicted to online gaming, where they spend long hours in virtual worlds. Research by Spherical Insights<\/em> (2023) found that boys are more likely to develop gaming addiction, often as a way to escape from real life.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, girls are more likely to develop internet addiction through social media and online communication. A study published in CyberPsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking<\/em> (2014) found that girls use the internet more for socializing and keeping up with their relationships. This can lead to spending too much time on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat, where they may feel pressure to gain approval from their peers.<\/p>\n

Psychological and Social Factors<\/strong><\/p>\n

Besides age and gender, other factors like mental health and family environment also affect internet addiction. People who are more anxious, depressed, or feel socially isolated are more likely to use the internet as a way to cope with their feelings (Kuss & Griffiths, 2017). These emotional factors can make it harder for people to control their internet use, leading to addiction.<\/p>\n

Additionally, family supervision plays an important role. Research shows that young people with less parental control or those who come from unstable families are more likely to develop internet addiction (Baker & Oswalt, 2015).<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n

Internet addiction is a complex issue that affects many people, especially young people. While both boys and girls are affected, they tend to get addicted to different types of online activities. Boys are more likely to get addicted to online gaming, while girls are more likely to get addicted to social media. Understanding these patterns is important for creating better ways to prevent and treat internet addiction. Addressing mental health and family issues is also crucial for helping people who are struggling with internet addiction.<\/p>\n

References:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Baker, R., & Oswalt, S. B. (2015). Internet addiction: The role of parental supervision. Journal of Adolescent Health, 56<\/em>(4), 340-346. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jadohealth.2014.12.018<\/p>\n

Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). Internet addiction and problematic internet use: A systematic review of clinical research. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 15<\/em>(5), 1067-1079. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11469-017-9788-0<\/p>\n

Spherical Insights. (2023). Global Internet addiction disorder trends. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.sphericalinsights.com\/blogs\/global-internet-addiction-disorder-trends<\/a><\/p>\n

European Commission. (2023). Digital economy and society statistics. Eurostat News<\/em>. Retrieved from https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/eurostat\/web\/products-eurostat-news\/w\/ddn-20230714-1<\/a><\/p>\n

Onmed. (2023). \u0395\u03c1\u03b5\u03c5\u03bd\u03ac: \u0395\u03b8\u03b9\u03c3\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03b9 \u03c3\u03c4\u03bf \u03b4\u03b9\u03b1\u03b4\u03af\u03ba\u03c4\u03c5\u03bf 182 \u03b5\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4. \u03ac\u03bd\u03b8\u03c1\u03c9\u03c0\u03bf\u03b9 \u03c0\u03b1\u03b3\u03ba\u03bf\u03c3\u03bc\u03af\u03c9\u03c2<\/em>. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.onmed.gr\/ygeia-psyhikh\/story\/323711\/erevna-ethismenoi-sto-diadiktyo-182-ekat-anthropoi-pagkosmios<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Dionisia Tzamalouka, Psychologist at The Smile of the Child Internet addiction is becoming a bigger issue in today’s world, affecting the mental health and well-being of many young people. As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, the number of people struggling with internet addiction has increased, especially among the youth. This article looks at research findings about internet addiction, focusing on age, gender differences, and other factors. Prevalence and Global Trends Recent studies show that internet addiction is a global issue. According to a report by Spherical Insights (2023), over 182 million people worldwide are affected by internet addiction disorder (IAD). This addiction is mostly linked to activities such as gaming, social media use, and browsing the internet. The report highlights that internet addiction has grown over the past decade, with more young people becoming addicted to the internet. The European Commission (2023) points out that most people aged 16 to 29 use the internet regularly, with over 90% of young people in developed countries going online. However, while the internet can be useful, it can also become addictive, especially for young people who may struggle to control their online time. Onmed (2023) reports that internet addiction is most common in people aged 18 to 30. Age Differences and Internet Addiction Age plays an important role in internet addiction, with teenagers and young adults being most affected. The European Commission (2023) found that 17% of teenagers report having problems with internet use. Another study by CyberPsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking (2014) says that teenagers are more likely to become addicted because they are still developing social and mental skills. They often turn to the internet for fun, socializing, and escape, making them more likely to develop unhealthy online habits. Gender Differences in Internet Addiction There are also differences between boys and girls when it comes to internet addiction. Studies show that while both genders are affected, they use the internet in different ways. Boys tend to get addicted to online gaming, where they spend long hours in virtual worlds. Research by Spherical Insights (2023) found that boys are more likely to develop gaming addiction, often as a way to escape from real life. On the other hand, girls are more likely to develop internet addiction through social media and online communication. A study published in CyberPsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking (2014) found that girls use the internet more for socializing and keeping up with their relationships. This can lead to spending too much time on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat, where they may feel pressure to gain approval from their peers. Psychological and Social Factors Besides age and gender, other factors like mental health and family environment also affect internet addiction. People who are more anxious, depressed, or feel socially isolated are more likely to use the internet as a way to cope with their feelings (Kuss & Griffiths, 2017). These emotional factors can make it harder for people to control their internet use, leading to addiction. Additionally, family supervision plays an important role. Research shows that young people with less parental control or those who come from unstable families are more likely to develop internet addiction (Baker & Oswalt, 2015). Conclusion Internet addiction is a complex issue that affects many people, especially young people. While both boys and girls are affected, they tend to get addicted to different types of online activities. Boys are more likely to get addicted to online gaming, while girls are more likely to get addicted to social media. Understanding these patterns is important for creating better ways to prevent and treat internet addiction. Addressing mental health and family issues is also crucial for helping people who are struggling with internet addiction. References: Baker, R., & Oswalt, S. B. (2015). Internet addiction: The role of parental supervision. Journal of Adolescent Health, 56(4), 340-346. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jadohealth.2014.12.018 Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). Internet addiction and problematic internet use: A systematic review of clinical research. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 15(5), 1067-1079. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11469-017-9788-0 Spherical Insights. (2023). Global Internet addiction disorder trends. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.sphericalinsights.com\/blogs\/global-internet-addiction-disorder-trends European Commission. (2023). Digital economy and society statistics. Eurostat News. Retrieved from https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/eurostat\/web\/products-eurostat-news\/w\/ddn-20230714-1 Onmed. (2023). \u0395\u03c1\u03b5\u03c5\u03bd\u03ac: \u0395\u03b8\u03b9\u03c3\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03b9 \u03c3\u03c4\u03bf \u03b4\u03b9\u03b1\u03b4\u03af\u03ba\u03c4\u03c5\u03bf 182 \u03b5\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4. \u03ac\u03bd\u03b8\u03c1\u03c9\u03c0\u03bf\u03b9 \u03c0\u03b1\u03b3\u03ba\u03bf\u03c3\u03bc\u03af\u03c9\u03c2. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.onmed.gr\/ygeia-psyhikh\/story\/323711\/erevna-ethismenoi-sto-diadiktyo-182-ekat-anthropoi-pagkosmios<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":858,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,6,8,7,10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-862","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-articles-parents","category-articles-professionals","category-articles-teachers","category-theme-internet-addiction"],"yoast_head":"\nInternet Addiction: Trends, Age, and Gender Differences - E-safety counselling center<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/e-counselling.e-safety-network.eu\/?p=862\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Internet Addiction: Trends, Age, and Gender Differences - E-safety counselling center\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"By Dionisia Tzamalouka, Psychologist at The Smile of the Child Internet addiction is becoming a bigger issue in today’s world, affecting the mental health and well-being of many young people. As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, the number of people struggling with internet addiction has increased, especially among the youth. This article looks at research findings about internet addiction, focusing on age, gender differences, and other factors. Prevalence and Global Trends Recent studies show that internet addiction is a global issue. According to a report by Spherical Insights (2023), over 182 million people worldwide are affected by internet addiction disorder (IAD). This addiction is mostly linked to activities such as gaming, social media use, and browsing the internet. The report highlights that internet addiction has grown over the past decade, with more young people becoming addicted to the internet. The European Commission (2023) points out that most people aged 16 to 29 use the internet regularly, with over 90% of young people in developed countries going online. However, while the internet can be useful, it can also become addictive, especially for young people who may struggle to control their online time. Onmed (2023) reports that internet addiction is most common in people aged 18 to 30. Age Differences and Internet Addiction Age plays an important role in internet addiction, with teenagers and young adults being most affected. The European Commission (2023) found that 17% of teenagers report having problems with internet use. Another study by CyberPsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking (2014) says that teenagers are more likely to become addicted because they are still developing social and mental skills. They often turn to the internet for fun, socializing, and escape, making them more likely to develop unhealthy online habits. Gender Differences in Internet Addiction There are also differences between boys and girls when it comes to internet addiction. Studies show that while both genders are affected, they use the internet in different ways. Boys tend to get addicted to online gaming, where they spend long hours in virtual worlds. Research by Spherical Insights (2023) found that boys are more likely to develop gaming addiction, often as a way to escape from real life. On the other hand, girls are more likely to develop internet addiction through social media and online communication. A study published in CyberPsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking (2014) found that girls use the internet more for socializing and keeping up with their relationships. This can lead to spending too much time on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat, where they may feel pressure to gain approval from their peers. Psychological and Social Factors Besides age and gender, other factors like mental health and family environment also affect internet addiction. People who are more anxious, depressed, or feel socially isolated are more likely to use the internet as a way to cope with their feelings (Kuss & Griffiths, 2017). These emotional factors can make it harder for people to control their internet use, leading to addiction. Additionally, family supervision plays an important role. Research shows that young people with less parental control or those who come from unstable families are more likely to develop internet addiction (Baker & Oswalt, 2015). Conclusion Internet addiction is a complex issue that affects many people, especially young people. While both boys and girls are affected, they tend to get addicted to different types of online activities. Boys are more likely to get addicted to online gaming, while girls are more likely to get addicted to social media. Understanding these patterns is important for creating better ways to prevent and treat internet addiction. Addressing mental health and family issues is also crucial for helping people who are struggling with internet addiction. References: Baker, R., & Oswalt, S. B. (2015). Internet addiction: The role of parental supervision. Journal of Adolescent Health, 56(4), 340-346. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jadohealth.2014.12.018 Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). Internet addiction and problematic internet use: A systematic review of clinical research. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 15(5), 1067-1079. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11469-017-9788-0 Spherical Insights. (2023). Global Internet addiction disorder trends. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.sphericalinsights.com\/blogs\/global-internet-addiction-disorder-trends European Commission. (2023). Digital economy and society statistics. Eurostat News. Retrieved from https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/eurostat\/web\/products-eurostat-news\/w\/ddn-20230714-1 Onmed. (2023). \u0395\u03c1\u03b5\u03c5\u03bd\u03ac: \u0395\u03b8\u03b9\u03c3\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03b9 \u03c3\u03c4\u03bf \u03b4\u03b9\u03b1\u03b4\u03af\u03ba\u03c4\u03c5\u03bf 182 \u03b5\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4. \u03ac\u03bd\u03b8\u03c1\u03c9\u03c0\u03bf\u03b9 \u03c0\u03b1\u03b3\u03ba\u03bf\u03c3\u03bc\u03af\u03c9\u03c2. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.onmed.gr\/ygeia-psyhikh\/story\/323711\/erevna-ethismenoi-sto-diadiktyo-182-ekat-anthropoi-pagkosmios\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/e-counselling.e-safety-network.eu\/?p=862\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"E-safety counselling center\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-04-04T14:59:05+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-04-04T15:00:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/e-counselling.e-safety-network.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Internet-Addiction-web.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"784\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"441\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Smile Academy\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Smile Academy\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/e-counselling.e-safety-network.eu\/?p=862#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/e-counselling.e-safety-network.eu\/?p=862\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Smile Academy\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/e-counselling.e-safety-network.eu\/#\/schema\/person\/c6c018fb17ee75874215600b3e4c41ae\"},\"headline\":\"Internet Addiction: Trends, Age, and Gender Differences\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-04-04T14:59:05+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-04-04T15:00:57+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/e-counselling.e-safety-network.eu\/?p=862\"},\"wordCount\":718,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/e-counselling.e-safety-network.eu\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/e-counselling.e-safety-network.eu\/?p=862#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/e-counselling.e-safety-network.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Internet-Addiction-web.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Articles\",\"Articles for parents\/guardians\",\"Articles for professionals\",\"Articles for teachers\/educators\",\"Theme: Internet Addiction\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/e-counselling.e-safety-network.eu\/?p=862#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/e-counselling.e-safety-network.eu\/?p=862\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/e-counselling.e-safety-network.eu\/?p=862\",\"name\":\"Internet Addiction: Trends, Age, and Gender Differences - 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As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, the number of people struggling with internet addiction has increased, especially among the youth. This article looks at research findings about internet addiction, focusing on age, gender differences, and other factors. Prevalence and Global Trends Recent studies show that internet addiction is a global issue. According to a report by Spherical Insights (2023), over 182 million people worldwide are affected by internet addiction disorder (IAD). This addiction is mostly linked to activities such as gaming, social media use, and browsing the internet. The report highlights that internet addiction has grown over the past decade, with more young people becoming addicted to the internet. The European Commission (2023) points out that most people aged 16 to 29 use the internet regularly, with over 90% of young people in developed countries going online. However, while the internet can be useful, it can also become addictive, especially for young people who may struggle to control their online time. Onmed (2023) reports that internet addiction is most common in people aged 18 to 30. Age Differences and Internet Addiction Age plays an important role in internet addiction, with teenagers and young adults being most affected. The European Commission (2023) found that 17% of teenagers report having problems with internet use. Another study by CyberPsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking (2014) says that teenagers are more likely to become addicted because they are still developing social and mental skills. They often turn to the internet for fun, socializing, and escape, making them more likely to develop unhealthy online habits. Gender Differences in Internet Addiction There are also differences between boys and girls when it comes to internet addiction. Studies show that while both genders are affected, they use the internet in different ways. Boys tend to get addicted to online gaming, where they spend long hours in virtual worlds. Research by Spherical Insights (2023) found that boys are more likely to develop gaming addiction, often as a way to escape from real life. On the other hand, girls are more likely to develop internet addiction through social media and online communication. A study published in CyberPsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking (2014) found that girls use the internet more for socializing and keeping up with their relationships. This can lead to spending too much time on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat, where they may feel pressure to gain approval from their peers. Psychological and Social Factors Besides age and gender, other factors like mental health and family environment also affect internet addiction. People who are more anxious, depressed, or feel socially isolated are more likely to use the internet as a way to cope with their feelings (Kuss & Griffiths, 2017). These emotional factors can make it harder for people to control their internet use, leading to addiction. Additionally, family supervision plays an important role. Research shows that young people with less parental control or those who come from unstable families are more likely to develop internet addiction (Baker & Oswalt, 2015). Conclusion Internet addiction is a complex issue that affects many people, especially young people. While both boys and girls are affected, they tend to get addicted to different types of online activities. Boys are more likely to get addicted to online gaming, while girls are more likely to get addicted to social media. Understanding these patterns is important for creating better ways to prevent and treat internet addiction. Addressing mental health and family issues is also crucial for helping people who are struggling with internet addiction. References: Baker, R., & Oswalt, S. B. (2015). Internet addiction: The role of parental supervision. Journal of Adolescent Health, 56(4), 340-346. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jadohealth.2014.12.018 Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). Internet addiction and problematic internet use: A systematic review of clinical research. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 15(5), 1067-1079. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11469-017-9788-0 Spherical Insights. (2023). Global Internet addiction disorder trends. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.sphericalinsights.com\/blogs\/global-internet-addiction-disorder-trends European Commission. (2023). Digital economy and society statistics. Eurostat News. Retrieved from https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/eurostat\/web\/products-eurostat-news\/w\/ddn-20230714-1 Onmed. (2023). \u0395\u03c1\u03b5\u03c5\u03bd\u03ac: \u0395\u03b8\u03b9\u03c3\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03b9 \u03c3\u03c4\u03bf \u03b4\u03b9\u03b1\u03b4\u03af\u03ba\u03c4\u03c5\u03bf 182 \u03b5\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4. \u03ac\u03bd\u03b8\u03c1\u03c9\u03c0\u03bf\u03b9 \u03c0\u03b1\u03b3\u03ba\u03bf\u03c3\u03bc\u03af\u03c9\u03c2. 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