Using the Internet to Cope With Emotional Problems: The Role of Preference of Online Communication in Adolescents Across 18 Countries

For adolescents with emotional problems, internet use can provide coping strategies. These can be maladaptive (e.g., excessive use) or adaptive (e.g., engaging in social online activities). However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying both positive and negative outcomes. This study investigates whether a preference of online communication mediates associations between emotional problems and online coping strategies. Survey data from 14,550 adolescents (ages 11-16, 51% female) across 18 European countries were analyzed using mediation models. Emotional problems were associated with both maladaptive and adaptive strategies, and these effects were partially mediated by preference of online communication. The findings provide further empirical support for the model of compensatory internet use among vulnerable populations and demonstrate that similar mechanisms may underlie seemingly divergent outcomes. Implications include digital mental health interventions tailored to vulnerable youth and guidance for schools, families, and online platform providers to foster adaptive internet use whilst mitigating the risks of excessive or maladaptive use.