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

Authors

  • Sara Malo-Cerrato Universitat de Girona
  • Maria-de-las-Mercedes Martín-Perpiñá Universitat de Girona
  • Maria-Gràcia Cornellà-Font Universitat de Girona

Keywords:

ICTs, digital self-efficacy, digital attitude, personality, self-concept, family

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.

Published

2023-07-24

How to Cite

Malo-Cerrato, S., Martín-Perpiñá, M.- de- las-M., & Cornellà-Font, M.-G. (2023). Psychosocial factors and low-risk behaviour in ICT use among adolescents. Comunicar, 31(75), 103–113. Retrieved from https://www.revistacomunicar.com/ojs/index.php/comunicar/article/view/115331