Problematic usage of Internet: from assessment to intervention

Problematic use of the internet (PUI) and its impact on the health and wellbeing of European citizens represents an emerging challenge for mental health research. The internet is now an important recreational activity and an integral part of modern life, but as its use has grown, it has given rise to a wide range of problematic behaviors.

A spectrum of usage, from controlled to uncontrolled, is recognised. Some disordered online behaviours, such as excessive gaming, gambling, buying, email checking, social media use and viewing pornography, cause significant impairment of everyday functioning of some individuals requiring additional research.

The Cost Action 16207 brings together a multidisciplinary and geographically diverse group of experts, opinion leaders and early-stage researcher under one European-led Network, to leverage the existing funded research into a more coherent programme.

The aim of this structured workshop is to contribute to advance the understanding of PUI from a bio-psycho-social perspective, clarify the brain-based undergirdings and develop effective interventions, through five interlinked communications developed with the involvement of COST’ members at different stages of their careers.