Recent studies indicate multiple consequences of pathologically excessive internet use. This studyinvestigated the correlate of internet usage, with pathological internet engagement. Participantswere 514 college students from the University of Athens who completed a questionnaire coveringvarious aspects of internet use, Young’s Internet Addiction Test, scales investigating onlinegambling addiction and cybersexual addiction and scales investigating suicidal ideation and theuse of psychoactive substances. We found that the daily Internet use (b=0,38, t=10,38, p<0,001),the use of interactive online games (b=0,21, t=5,15, p<0,001), making acquaintances on the internet(b=0,20, t=5,11, p<0,001) and the participation in online forums (b=0,15, t=3,64, p<0,001)account for 42% of the variance of pathological internet engagement. Subjects at risk for developingpathological internet engagement had significantly higher levels of online gambling addiction,cybersexual addiction, suicidal ideation and alcohol abuse, compared with other groups.Pathological internet engagement, particularly in young people, is a new psychopathological parameterthat should be incorporated in the diagnostic and therapeutic horizon of mental healthprofessionals.
Key words: Ιnternet, pathological engagement, internet addiction, online gambling addiction,suicide
G. Tsouvelas, O. Giotakos (page 221) - Full article in Greek