Psychosocial factors and low-risk behaviour in ICT use among adolescents

Abstract

Many current investigations have analysed adolescents' risky ICT behaviours (such as excessive or addictive use), but few have explored the characteristics of low-risk behaviour in this regard. This study aimed to explore the psychosocial profile of a sample of 593 Spanish adolescents aged 13 to 18 who have been categorized as low-risk ICT users. To this end, the low-risk ICT use group was calculated using the “multitasking while doing homework index” and a set of items on risky ICT behaviour. Chi-squared and t-tests were performed and a forward stepwise binary logistic regression was carried out to determine the explanatory variables for low-risk ICT use. The results showed that some 7.1% were classified as low-risk ICT users, with a higher percentage of girls. These users’ profile was characterised by: lower digital self-efficacy with social networking applications; less generalized ICT use and a less dependent attitude; less extroversion and more agreeableness and conscientiousness; higher academic self-concept; having rules for ICT use at home; and less insecure and anxious attachment to parental figures. The variables that predicted the likelihood of low-risk ICT behaviour were: high academic self-concept; low perceived separation anxiety from loved ones; and high agreeableness scores. These results are useful for proposing psycho-socio-educational interventions to promote healthy ICT use.