The Influence of PTSD on Problematic Internet Use among Chinese Earthquake Survivors: The Mediating Role of Fear of Missing Out and Rumination.

OBJECTIVE

Problematic internet use (PIU) is a general behavioral addiction and encompasses various syndromes. Previous research found that traumatic events may potentially influence or alter the propensity for PIU. This study aimed to explore the mediating role of fear of missing out (FOMO) and rumination in the influence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on PIU among Wenchuan earthquake survivors.

METHODS

In the fall of 2023, 665 valid participants' responses were selected in this cross-sectional study. The PTSD Checklist (PCL-C), FOMO Scale, Rumination Scale (RRS), and Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) were used to measure participants' internet usage and mental state. Description analysis and structural equation model analysis were examined by using SmartPLS.

RESULTS

PTSD positively influenced FOMO (β = 0.315, p < 0.001), rumination (β = 0.279, p = 0.001), and PIU (β = 0.213, p < 0.001). FOMO (β = 0.08, 95% CI (confidence interval) [0.037, 0.144], p = 0.005) and rumination (β = 0.093, 95% CI [0.032, 0.139], p = 0.002) played a mediating role in the influence of PTSD on PIU. Regarding the relationship between PTSD and PIU, direct and indirect effects comprised 45.6% and 54.4%. PTSD had a positively significant effect on PIU by mediating FOMO and rumination to form a chain mediation model (β = 0.081, 95% CI [0.010, 0.039], p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

This study investigated online usage and media psychology among survivors of the Wenchuan earthquake in China. FOMO and rumination were found to be important factors influencing the relationship between PTSD and PIU. To prevent or relieve people's PIU, we propose that medical practitioners and local government intervene on FOMO through effective measures to decrease rumination. The individual differences and specific internet platform usage that influence these psychological variables should also be further investigated in future studies.