[Usage patterns of internet and computer games : Results of an observational study of Tyrolean adolescents].
BACKGROUND
The use of digital media such as the Internet and Computer games has greatly increased. In the western world, almost all young people regularly use these relevant technologies. Against this background, forms of use with possible negative consequences for young people have been recognized and scientifically examined. The aim of our study was therefore to investigate the prevalence of pathological use of these technologies in a sample of young Tyrolean people.


METHODS
398 students (average age 15.2 years, SD ± 2.3 years, 34.2% female) were interviewed by means of the structured questionnaires CIUS (Internet), CSV-S (Computer games) and SWE (Self efficacy). Additionally, socio demographic data were collected.


RESULTS
In line with previous studies, 7.7% of the adolescents of our sample showed criteria for problematic internet use, 3.3% for pathological internet use. 5.4% of the sample reported pathological computer game usage. The most important aspect to influence our results was the gender of the subjects. Intensive users in the field of Internet and Computer games were more often young men, young women, however, showed significantly less signs of pathological computer game use.


CONCLUSIONS
A significant percentage of Tyrolean adolescents showed difficulties in the development of competent media use, indicating the growing significance of prevention measures such as media education. In a follow-up project, a sample of adolescents with mental disorders will be examined concerning their media use and be compared with our school-sample.
Univ.-Klinik für Medizinische Psychologie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Österreich.
David
D
Riedl
Univ.-Klinik für Medizinische Psychologie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Österreich.
Andrea
A
Stöckl
Univ.-Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Department Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innrain 52, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich.
Charlotte
C
Nussbaumer
Univ.-Klinik für Medizinische Psychologie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Österreich.
Gerhard
G
Rumpold
Univ.-Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Department Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innrain 52, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich.
Kathrin
K
Sevecke
Univ.-Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Department Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innrain 52, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich. martin.fuchs@tirol-kliniken.at.
Martin
M
Fuchs
D000293:Adolescent; D001317:Austria; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014600:Utilization Review / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018910:Video Games / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
Addiction; Adolescents; Computer games; Internet