Is problematic Internet use associated with substance use among youth? A systematic review

Abstract Background Problematic Internet use is an important emerging public health problem. Among youth, the link between problematic Internet use and other risky behaviors needs to be define. The National Institute on Drug Abuse was recently questioning if this new problem can explain the downward trend in substance use among young people. The objective of the systematic review is to explore the association between Internet use (with an average time measure and a problematic Internet use measure) and psychoactive substance use (alcohol, cannabis) among youth. Methods Empirical studies meeting inclusion criteria were chosen from important databases and then screened. Quality assessment and narrative synthesis were executed giving the high heterogeneity. Forty-three studies were eligible. Results A majority of studies found a positive association for the association between Internet problematic use and alcohol use, and between Internet problematic use and cannabis use. High heterogeneity in the assessment of alcohol and cannabis use made the synthesis a great challenge. Studies with substance use assessment that were reflecting a higher risk measure more often found a positive association. Conclusions Despite the diversity of the measures used, it seems that Internet use has a potential association with alcohol and cannabis use among youth around the world. When addressing risky behavior such as substance use among youth, professionals should also address problematic Internet use. Further studies are needed to assess the longitudinal impact of Internet use on youth substance use. A golden standard on how to assess alcohol and cannabis use among youth would be welcomed and certainly help future knowledge synthesis. Key messages Internet problematic use has a potential positive association with alcohol and cannabis use among youth around the world. Prevention programs for youth addressing risky behavior should include problematic Internet use, an important emerging public health problem.