Caught in the Web of the Net? Part II: A Motivation-Based Developmental Psychopathology Model for the Aberrant Internet Use in (Young) People with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Abstract

In Part I (Muris et al. in Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review 22:549-561, 2025), we provided meta-analytic evidence showing that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or high levels of autistic traits exhibit higher rates of problematic internet use (PIU), but paradoxically have lower levels of social media use compared to typically developing individuals or those with lower levels of autistic traits. The current theoretical article introduces a motivation-based developmental psychopathology model aimed at clarifying the motives behind the atypical internet and social media use observed in people with ASD or with high levels of autistic traits. We argue that excessive online activities, such as gaming and watching videos, can be understood through specific social, coping, and enhancement motives for internet use, which are especially prominent in ASD due to disorder-specific characteristics such as narrow interests and challenges in face-to-face interactions. In contrast, when it comes to social media use, these three motives operate differently, leading individuals with ASD to exhibit lower motivation to engage in online social interactions compared to neurotypical individuals. The current article emphasizes adolescence as a critical developmental period where internet use can easily become maladaptive and explores the role of parents in regulating the online behaviors of young people with ASD. Finally, the clinical implications of the model are briefly discussed.