Mindfulness in a Digital society
Davide Viola
In recent years there have been many studies on Internet addiction, which has become increasingly common among adolescents and young adults. This addiction is characterized by uncontrollable concerns, impulses, and behaviours related to Internet use, which can cause discomfort, psychosocial problems, academic difficulties, and physical health problems. However, the diagnosis of Internet addiction has not yet been included in the DSM-5 due to its conceptual uncertainty. As a result, some authors have preferred to adopt the construct of «problematic Internet use», while acknowledging the compulsivity and negative outcomes underlying Internet addiction. Cognitive-behavioural therapy and family therapy are the most common treatments for adolescents with this type of addiction, and mindfulness-based interventions are one of the most researched therapeutic approaches. Through a review of the relevant literature, the article aims to explore the potential applications of mindfulness for adolescents with problematic Internet use and its role in emotional regulation. The use of a mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioural intervention is advisable for adolescents with problematic Internet use, but it should be further explored in larger randomized controlled studies, and an ad hoc protocol should be created to validate its actual effectiveness.
Keywords
Adolescents, Mindfulness, Problematic Internet use, Emotional regulation, Cognitive-behavioral therapy.