The Role of Peer Relationships in Problematic Internet Use among Adolescents: A Scoping Review and Meta-analysis

The swift advancement of technology, particularly the internet, has significantly influenced various aspects of human life, resulting in both positive and negative consequences. In Indonesia, adolescents represent the largest group of internet users, with usage durations exceeding four hours per day, making them vulnerable to issues such as Problematic Internet Use (PIU). During adolescence, peer relationships play a crucial role in social development.

This study aims to explore how peer relations can influence problematic internet use among adolescents and identify strategic factors that contribute to reducing PIU based on systematic review findings. Additionally, the research seeks to quantify the relationship between peer relations and problematic internet use among adolescents through meta-analysis. The hypothesis posits a correlation between peer relations and problematic internet use among adolescents.

The research employs scoping review and meta-analysis techniques.

Scoping review results indicate that, overall, peer relationships can have both positive and negative impacts on PIU. A more positive relationship between adolescents and their peers tends to correlate with lower levels of PIU. Conversely, adolescents with problematic peer relationships are more likely to develop PIU behaviours. Meta-analysis results further strengthen these findings, demonstrating a significant correlation between peer relationships and problematic internet use among adolescents (r = 0.191; p = 0.020; 95% CI).

Despite the significant correlation, the influence of peer relationships on problematic internet use appears to be relatively low. This suggests the existence of other factors that contribute to PIU behaviours beyond peer relationships.