Internet use self-check (PIUQ-SF-6)

Before you start — what is problematic internet use?

Being online is a normal part of daily life. Most people use the internet for work, study, socialising, and entertainment — and that is completely fine. Problematic internet use (PIU) is not about spending a lot of time online. It is about what that use costs you.

Researchers describe PIU as a pattern in which internet use starts to interfere with important areas of life: sleep, school or work performance, face-to-face relationships, or emotional regulation. It often develops gradually and is easy to miss until the impact becomes significant.

Three warning signs

Obsession: You think about the internet even when you're offline. Going without it makes you anxious, irritable, or restless.

Neglect: You skip sleep, meals, or time with people you care about because you are online. Others notice before you do.

Loss of control: You want to cut down or stop but you cannot. You hide how much time you spend online — even from yourself.

Why does this matter for young people?

Studies across Europe consistently show that between 10% and 18% of adolescents show signs of problematic internet use. A study of over 40,000 adolescents found a prevalence of 16.3% — making it one of the most common risk behaviours in this age group.

The consequences are real: lower academic performance, reduced self-esteem, disrupted sleep, social withdrawal, and increased symptoms of anxiety and depression. Online gaming and gambling carry additional risks and are recognised as distinct clinical concerns by the World Health Organization.

The good news: awareness is the first step. Simply knowing your own patterns gives you the power to change them.