Can't Name It, Can't Log Off: Alexithymia and Problematic Internet-Related Behaviors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In 30 seconds

This preregistered systematic review and meta-analysis examined quantitative associations between alexithymia and problematic Internet-related behaviors (PIB), including problematic Internet, smartphone, social media and gaming use, and cyberbullying. Eighty-three studies were included; 78 independent samples (N = 42,478) contributed to the meta-analysis. The pooled correlation was r = 0.36 (95% confidence interval 0.34-0.38; I 2 = 77.6%), indicating a moderate association. Associations were stronger for addictive-use PIB than cyberbullying and remained statistically significant, though attenuated, after adjustment for internalizing symptoms.

Key findings

• Across 78 independent samples (N = 42,478), alexithymia correlated with PIB at r = 0.36 (95% confidence interval 0.34-0.38; I 2 = 77.6%).
• Associations were stronger for addictive-use PIB (r = 0.37) than for cyberbullying (r = 0.29).
• Adjusted coefficients attenuated from about β = 0.37 to β = 0.18 after controlling for depression, anxiety, and other internalizing symptoms, but remained statistically significant.
• Associations were broadly comparable across world regions and tended to be larger in adults than adolescents.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that difficulty identifying or describing emotions is meaningfully associated with a range of problematic Internet-related behaviors. The attenuation after adjustment indicates overlap with internalizing symptoms, while the remaining association suggests alexithymia may contribute information beyond those symptoms. This supports further investigation of emotional awareness as a potential factor in understanding PIB, without establishing causality.

What to keep in mind

The pooled association was heterogeneous (I 2 = 77.6%), and the evidence quantifies associations rather than establishing temporal direction or causality.