The Effect of Problematic Internet Use, Internet Gaming Disorder and Cyberbullying/Victimization Levels on Self-Esteem in Obese Adolescents.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the levels of problematic internet use, self-esteem, internet gaming disorder and cyberbullying/victimization in adolescents diagnosed with obesity with the control group and to examine the relationship between these variables and self-esteem.

Methods: The study included a total of 166 adolescents (115 females and 49 males). The relationship between the scales of Problematic Internet Use, Cyberbullying/Victimization, Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and the Piers-Harris Self-Esteem Scale was analyzed using linear regression methods.

Results: It was determined that self-esteem in adolescents diagnosed with obesity was lower compared to healthy controls, and problematic internet use was higher in obese individuals compared to healthy controls although no difference was found between the groups in terms of internet gaming disorder and cyberbullying/victimization levels. In obese individuals, cyber forgery and verbal cyberbullying victimization, IGD withdrawal subscales, and total scores on the cyberbullying scale have been found to be factors negatively affecting self-esteem.

Conclusions: According to the findings of our study, taking measures to reduce problematic internet use, IGD, and cyberbullying/victimization in obese adolescents can be considered as a protective measure for self-esteem and, consequently, mental health.