Family Dynamics Around “Problematic” Internet Use: Parents’ and Adolescents’ Perspectives

Abstract

In the current digital era, developing healthy technological habits is critical, particularly during adolescence, when patterns of Internet use are established and the risk of problematic use increases. Internet use is also a common source of conflict between adolescents and their parents, with parents often expressing concern about potential health risks, while adolescents may perceive the issue differently. Although research has primarily focused on individual correlates of adolescent problematic Internet use, fewer studies have examined its relational aspects. The present study explores the experiences of both parents and adolescents to understand how the “problem” is conceptualized from each perspective. Twenty parent–adolescent dyads participated in semi-structured interviews, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three superordinate themes emerged: problem definition, adolescents’ experiences, and parents’ experiences. Findings revealed differences in how parents and adolescents conceptualize problematic Internet use, highlighting the role of communication gaps and relational dynamics in exacerbating conflicts. The study also provides insights into the individual experiences of both parties and discusses implications for supporting healthy parent–adolescent relationships in the digital context.