RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article T1 Internet addiction in young adults: A meta-analysis and systematic review A1 Sánchez, Alberto Soto A1 Lozano Blasco, Raquel A1 Quílez Robres, Alberto AB Internet addiction, although not recognized by the WHO or the APA, is a serious and problematic pathology. This meta-analysis shows that the incidence of Internet addiction in adults was high in recent years (2017–2020). The effect size returned according to the random effects model is Z = 24.63; SE = 0.205; p = .001. In addition, high heterogeneity is evident in the research addressing this topic (Q = 1240.719, df = 36, p < .001; I2 = 97.09%). On the other hand, the Eggers test indicated an absence of publication bias. The sample consisted of 30 studies with k = 37 samples from Europe, Asia, America and Oceania. The total sample was constituted by 21,378 participants (51.22% male, 48.78% women; Mean age = 23.55 years). The statistical analyses of meta-regression and model comparison show a complex problem at the international level, explained by age and sex, and apparently also by geographical area. The results of the systematic review show the increase of internet addiction in the new generations, with other variables playing a relevant role, such as: Increase of individualism, lower sociability and enculturation. We conclude highlighting the need to address this problem from a public health approach. PB Elsevier SN 0747-5632 YR 2022 FD 2022 LK https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/66191 UL https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/66191 LA eng NO Computers in Human Behavior, vol. 130, p. 07201 DS UVaDOC RD 26-dic-2024