Caught in the Web of the Net? Part I: Meta-analyses of Problematic Internet Use and Social Media Use in (Young) People with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Peter Muris*, Henry Otgaar, Franc Donkers, Thomas H. Ollendick, Anne Deckers

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal(Systematic) Review article peer-review

Abstract

This article examined the internet and social media usage among (young) individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Two meta-analyses were conducted to quantify (1) the relation between ASD/autistic traits and problematic internet use (PIU, which included generalized PIU, problematic gaming, excessive smartphone use), and (2) the relation between ASD/autistic traits and social media use. The results of our first meta-analysis-comprising 46 studies and 42,274 participants-revealed that people with ASD or higher levels of autistic traits showed higher levels of PIU, with an average effect size of r = 0.26 (95% CI [0.21, 0.31]). The second meta-analysis-consisting of 15 studies and 7036 participants-indicated that people with ASD or higher levels of autistic traits were less involved on social media platforms as compared to their typically developing counterparts, with the average effect size being r = - 0.28 (95% CI [- 0.38, - 0.18]). The quality of the research on PIU and social media in persons with ASD was critically evaluated and possible directions for future research on this topic are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages22
JournalClinical Child and Family Psychology Review
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 23 Apr 2025

Keywords

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • Problematic internet use (PIU)
  • Social media use
  • Meta-analysis
  • VIDEO-GAME USE
  • GAMING DISORDER
  • ADOLESCENTS
  • ADDICTION
  • CHILDREN
  • TRAITS
  • VALIDATION
  • ANXIETY
  • ADULTS
  • COMMUNICATION

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