From the Guidelines
Problematic Interactive Media Use (PIMU), also known as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), should be addressed through a comprehensive approach that prioritizes setting limits, encouraging alternative activities, and seeking professional help when needed, as it can lead to significant negative impacts on children's and adolescents' physical, emotional, and social well-being, as highlighted in studies such as 1 and 1. The implications of PIMU are multifaceted, affecting various aspects of an individual's life, including their mental health, social relationships, and academic or occupational performance. Key considerations include:
- Establishing clear screen time boundaries, typically 1-2 hours daily of recreational screen time, as recommended by various health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, as seen in 1.
- Creating tech-free zones, such as bedrooms and dining areas, to promote healthier technology use habits and reduce the risk of excessive screen time, as discussed in 1.
- Encouraging alternative activities, such as sports, reading, creative pursuits, and face-to-face social interactions, to help individuals develop a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle, as suggested by 1.
- Seeking professional help, potentially including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches, for severe cases where media use significantly impacts daily functioning, as indicated in 1. It is essential to recognize that PIMU can be a symptom of underlying conditions, such as ADHD or depression, which may require appropriate medication management, as noted in 1. Regular family discussions about healthy technology use and parents modeling appropriate behaviors themselves are crucial components of addressing problematic use patterns, as emphasized in 1. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a healthier relationship with technology, acknowledging its integral role in modern life while minimizing its negative effects, as highlighted in 1 and 1.
From the Research
Implications of Problematic Interactive Media Use
The implications of Problematic Interactive Media Use (PIMU), also known as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), are numerous and can have severe consequences on an individual's life. Some of the implications include:
- Academic failure: Excessive use of interactive media can lead to decreased attention span, reduced academic performance, and increased risk of academic failure 2.
- Social withdrawal: PIMU can lead to social isolation, decreased social skills, and reduced social relationships 2, 3.
- Behavioral problems: PIMU has been linked to increased behavioral problems, such as aggression, anxiety, and depression 2, 4.
- Family conflict: Excessive use of interactive media can lead to family conflict, particularly between parents and children 2, 5.
- Physical and mental health problems: PIMU has been linked to various physical and mental health problems, including sleep disturbances, eye strain, and decreased physical activity 2, 5.
- Negative outcomes on cognitive, language, social, and emotional development: Excessive screen time has been linked to negative outcomes on cognitive, language, social, and emotional development in children 5.
Risk and Protective Factors
Several risk and protective factors have been identified that can contribute to the development of PIMU. Some of the risk factors include:
- Male gender: Males are more likely to develop PIMU than females 4.
- Higher age: Older children are more likely to develop PIMU than younger children 4.
- Use of media for more than 2 hours a day: Excessive use of media can increase the risk of developing PIMU 4.
- Negative psychological symptoms: Children who experience negative psychological symptoms, such as anxiety or depression, are more prone to develop PIMU 4.
- Dysfunctional parent-child relationship: A dysfunctional parent-child relationship can increase the risk of developing PIMU 4.
- Difficulties in school context: Children who experience difficulties in school are more prone to develop PIMU 4. Some of the protective factors include:
- Authoritative parenting style: An authoritative parenting style can reduce the risk of developing PIMU 4.
- Restrictive parental mediation: Restrictive parental mediation can reduce the risk of developing PIMU 4.
Therapeutic Interventions
Several therapeutic interventions have been proposed to treat PIMU, including:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of PIMU in adolescents 3.
- Anticipatory guidance: Anticipatory guidance can help identify youth at risk and empower parents to recognize and prevent problems 2.
- Epidemiology and etiology: Understanding the epidemiology and etiology of PIMU can help identify underlying pathology and inform treatment strategies 2.