The role of online emotions and gender in the prediction of problematic internet use: a cross-cultural study

Internet have become a fundamental part of university student's lives, where emotions play an essential role and problematic Internet use (PIU) is a worrying phenomenon in this population and has become widespread worldwide. One aspect that may be essential to know about this phenomenon is the impact of emotions online and whether socio-emotional e-competencies facilitate adaptive behaviors in virtual environments for men and women; however, not enough studies have been conducted in this regard. Hence, this research aims to fill this gap by analyzing whether online emotional content and socioemotional e-competences predict problematic Internet use in the university population from Mexico and Spain, according to gender. Participants were 1524 university students (50.2 % Spain vs. 49.8 % Mexico) with mean age M = 19.84 (SD = 3.90) in Spain and M = 19.63 (SD = 1.70) in Mexico. The findings of multiple linear regressions show that online facilitation and emotional expression are the most critical risk factors for both sexes and countries. Emotional e-independence is a protective factor against PIU for both sexes, especially in men in both countries and Mexican women; e-self-control of impulsivity is a specific factor in the prediction of PIU, while in Mexican men, it is emotional e-regulation. Research contributions and educational implications are discussed. • Problematic internet use (PIU) among youth is a global concern, with online emotions playing a key role in its impact. • Online emotional facilitation and expression are top risk factors for both sexes in Mexico and Spain. • Emotional e-autonomy is a protective factor of PIU for both sexes, especially in boys from both countries. • In Mexico, e-self-control of impulsiveness protects girls from PIU, while emotional e-regulation protects boys. • Preventive programs should be adapted to the sociocultural characteristics of each country.