Tackling Cyberbullying, Social Media, and Problematic Internet and Mobile Use: Research and Strategies for Effective Intervention

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid proliferation of digital technologies and social media platforms has fundamentally transformed the way individuals interact, communicate, and engage with the world. While these advancements offer significant benefits, they also present new challenges, particularly in the realms of social interaction and health impact. Excessive or problematic use of the internet, mobiles, and social media has been linked to various negative health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, sleep disturbances, eating disorders, phobias, addictions, and social isolation, to mention just a few.

Furthermore, excessive mobile and screen use has been associated with cognitive impairments, attention deficits, and disruptions in executive functions. Prolonged exposure to screens can lead to difficulties in concentrating, memory problems, and a reduced ability to perform complex tasks. These cognitive and attentional issues can significantly impact academic performance, work efficiency, and overall mental wellbeing.

Additionally, the pervasive use of mobile devices and screens can interfere with parenting practices and attachment styles. Parents who are frequently engaged with their devices may exhibit less responsive and attentive caregiving, which can affect the development of secure attachment in children. This can lead to issues in emotional regulation, social competence, and overall child development.

Moreover, the impact of internet and social media use can vary significantly across genders and different demographic groups, including immigrants, individuals with disabilities, and those with neurodivergent or gifted profiles. These groups may face unique challenges and vulnerabilities online, such as higher risks of cyberbullying and social isolation. Gender differences also play a fundamental role, with studies indicating that females might be more susceptible to issues related to body image, social comparison, and nomophobia, while males might be more prone to engaging in risky online behaviors. These disparities highlight the need for tailored interventions that consider the diverse experiences and needs of different populations.

There is a pressing need for research that not only explores the adverse effects of these phenomena but also identifies and evaluates innovative approaches to mitigate their impact, focusing on preventive strategies and psychoeducational interventions.

Call for Contributions: We invite original research articles and reviews on these topics:

1. Impact of problematic internet/mobile use, as widely understood, on wellbeing and behavior.

• Psychological, cognitive, emotional, and physical consequences of problems such as cyberbullying, cyberstalking, grooming, phubbing, parental phubbing, internet addiction and problematic use, nomophobia, FOMO, online disinhibition, cyberchondria, social media fatigue, screen dependency, online gambling, gaming disorders, online shopping, information overload, sleep disorders, digital eye strain, obsession with selfies and body image, and participation in dangerous viral challenges;
• Social, demographic, and environmental factors that exacerbate these issues or explore epigenetic connections;
• Prevalence and psychological impact on different populations, and longitudinal studies on mental health, cognition, and behavior.

2. Effective intervention and prevention strategies:

• Reviews and analyses of current intervention programs and successful case studies and best practices in prevention and intervention;
• Proposals for targeted interventions addressing specific problematic behaviors;
• Research on the role of schools, parents, and communities in mitigating the effects of cyberbullying.

By highlighting innovative intervention and prevention strategies, we aim to contribute to the development of more effective solutions that can enhance individual wellbeing and create safer digital environments.

Prof. Dr. Ana León Mejía
Dr. Roberto Sánchez-Cabrero
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Behavioral Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• cyberbullying and other forms of online violence
• social media-related problems
• problematic internet use and related disorders
• problematic mobile use and related disorders
• prevention strategies and interventions
• health and wellbeing
• cognitive and behavioral issues