PROBLEMATIC INTERNET USE (PIU) AND ITS IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH IN THE MALAYSIAN CONTEXT
Keywords:
Problematic Internet Use, Mental Health, Smartphone Addiction, Social Media Addiction, Internet Pornography UseAbstract
With the rapid advancement in technology, problematic internet use (PIU) has received increasing attention over the years. Different perspectives view PIU differently, such as viewing it as an addiction, impulse control disorder, or/and relationship-building deficits. A lack of an agreed definition could be problematic in accurately measuring how PIU affects mental health. This article aims to explore the disagreement in defining PIU in the context of Malaysia. A narrative review was conducted to examine various aspects of PIU, including smartphone addiction, social media addiction, Internet Pornography Use (IPU), and online game addiction, shedding light on their associations with weight-related self-stigma, nomophobia and psychological distress, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research uncovers gender differences, revealing socially acceptable IPU among males and potential distress among females. Cultural and social factors contribute to diverse patterns of internet overdependence, influenced by early exposure and gender roles. Emotional stability emerges as a crucial factor, with higher PIU correlating with increased emotional distress. The study calls for tailored interventions, considering demographic nuances and cultural contexts.
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