articleComprehensive PsychiatryMay 12, 2020GOLD OA

Preventing problematic internet use during the COVID-19 pandemic: Consensus guidance

OKOrsolya KirályMNMarc N. PotenzaDJDan J. SteinDLDaniel L. KingDCDavid C. Hodgins

Eötvös Loránd University · Yale University · +36 more institutions

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefdatacitedoajpubmed

Abstract

As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments have introduced steps such as spatial distancing and "staying at home" to curb its spread and impact. The fear resulting from the disease, the 'lockdown' situation, high levels of uncertainty regarding the future, and financial insecurity raise the level of stress, anxiety, and depression experienced by people all around the world. Psychoactive substances and other reinforcing behaviors (e.g., gambling, video gaming, watching pornography) are often used to reduce stress and anxiety and/or to alleviate depressed mood. The tendency to use such substances and engage in such behaviors in an excessive manner as putative coping strategies in crises like the…

Citation impact

819
total citations
FWCI
60.40
Percentile
100%
References
27
Citations per year

Authors

31

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Pandemic
  • Anxiety
  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
  • Psychology
  • Coping (psychology)
  • Mood
  • The Internet
  • Social distance
No related works found for this paper.

Funding