The relationships between loneliness and problematic online behaviours in young adults

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Author(s): Błoch, Marta ; Misiak, Błażej

Journal: Comprehensive Psychiatry

Year Published: 2026

Date Added: January 22, 2026

Loneliness has negative impacts on health outcomes. This study explored the associations between loneliness and problematic online behaviours (POBs) over a 6-month period in young adults without a history of psychiatric treatment. The researchers found that loneliness predicted increases in problematic online cybersex as well as depressive and anxiety symptoms. In turn, loneliness was predicted by problematic online gambling and cyberchondria, as well as depressive symptoms. When looking at which POBs were the most influential, problematic online gaming and problematic online shopping appeared to be the strongest drivers of change in other behaviours.

Citation: Błoch, M., & Misiak, B. (2026). Loneliness and the emergence of problematic online behaviours in adults: A cross-lagged panel network analysis. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 144, 152646. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2025.152646

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2025.152646

Keywords: early intervention ; problematic Internet use ; social isolation ; young adults

Topics: Gambling Resources ; Information for Treatment Providers

Conceptual Framework Factors: Gambling Types ; Social - Social Demographics ; Psychological - Lifespan Development ; Social Factors

Study Design: Observational: Longitudinal

Geographic Coverage: Poland

Study Population: Adults aged 18–40 years old who had no prior history of psychiatric treatment (n = 1,441).

Sampling Procedure: Participants were recruited through an online platform.

Study Funding:

This study was funded by Wroclaw Medical University.