Loneliness as a motivating factor for maladaptive daydreaming among Vietnamese adolescents: the role of online novel reading

In today's world, where digital consumption is prevalent, it's crucial to reflect on the psychological effects of online behaviors. This research focuses on exploring how abnormal online novel reading (AONR) mediates the connection between feelings of loneliness and maladaptive daydreaming (MD). A survey was conducted on 388 subjects who engage in online novel reading. The results revealed that AONR serves as a partial mediator between loneliness and MD. The findings suggest that loneliness may compel individuals to seek solace in the virtual narratives of online novels, which in turn may catalyze MD by offering fertile ground for elaborate fantasy worlds. These findings suggest that addressing the underlying issue of loneliness and reducing AONR could help alleviate MD. Interventions could focus on promoting social connections and fostering healthier coping mechanisms. Moreover, AONR should be considered a potential behavioral addiction, like other forms of digital addiction, as it involves preoccupation with online novels, withdrawal symptoms, increased tolerance, loss of control, continued engagement despite negative consequences, and escapism as a coping mechanism. They also highlight the importance for online novel readers who should be aware of the potential negative effects of this behavior on their mental health and strive to maintain a balance between reading habits and other activities to promote both personal fulfillment and psychological health.