Just a few more minutes: Longitudinal and cross-national perspectives on the role of online identity bubbles in addictive internet use

Abstract

Background/aims

Increasingly identity-based online presence raises concerns due to its potential contribution to addictive internet use. We report two separate studies of European adults, investigating how online identity bubbles relate to addictive internet use both cross-nationally and longitudinally.

Methods

Cross-national Study 1 involved participants aged 18–75 from Finland (N = 1541), France (N = 1561), Germany (N = 1529), Ireland (N = 1112), Italy (N = 1530), and Poland (N = 1533). Longitudinal Study 2 focused on Finnish participants (N = 1530) aged 18–75. Surveys were collected at six-month intervals from 2021 to 2023. Online identity bubble involvement was measured using the nine-item Identity Bubble Reinforcement Scale (IBRS-9). Addictive internet use was assessed with the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) in Study 1 and with the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) in Study 2. Mental health factors and confounding internet behaviors, namely, problem gambling and internet gaming disorder were included in the models. The cross-national data were analyzed using robust regression modeling. Hybrid multilevel regression modeling was utilized for the longitudinal data.

Results

Study 1 found that online identity bubble involvement was consistently linked to addictive internet use across European countries. Addictive internet use was positively associated with mental distress and negatively with happiness. Happiness also buffered the impact of online identity bubbles on addictive use in five countries. Study 2 revealed that increased online identity bubble involvement over time predicted addictive internet use.

Conclusions

We found robust cross-national and longitudinal evidence that identity-based online engagement contributes to addictive internet use. General mental health is strongly associated with this phenomenon.