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Psychological processes in digital contexts and problematic technology use research group - PRODI-TEC

Reference of the Group:

GIUV2026-008

 
Description of research activity:

The PRODI-TEC research group focuses on the scientific analysis of the psychological and social impact of digital technologies across different contexts and stages of development. Its work is oriented toward the study of cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social processes associated with the use of the internet, social networks, video games, mobile devices, and other digital platforms. The group addresses both patterns of problematic use and behavioral addictions, as well as maladaptive behaviors in virtual environments, including cyberbullying, cyberstalking, trolling, and other forms of disruptive interaction. In addition, the group examines risk and protective factors, individual differences, and the sociocultural variables involved in these phenomena, with the aim of generating rigorous scientific knowledge that contributes to prevention, assessment, and intervention, as well as to the promotion of psychological well-being and positive digital coexistence.

 
Web:

NO DETERMINADA

 
Scientific-technical goals:
  • Identificar los factores de riesgo y de protección asociados a las adicciones digitales, el uso problemático de redes sociales, videojuegos, apuestas en línea y otras formas de dependencia tecnológica.
  • Analizar los efectos psicológicos, emocionales y conductuales del uso intensivo de dispositivos y plataformas digitales, incluyendo posibles impactos en el estado de ánimo, la salud mental y el bienestar general.
  • Examinar cómo las diferencias individuales y las variables socioculturales y contextuales, como la personalidad, la regulación emocional, la edad, el género, la educación y el entorno social, influyen en la aparición y el mantenimiento de conductas problemáticas en entornos digitales.
  • Desarrollar, adaptar y validar herramientas de evaluación fiables para medir el uso problemático de tecnologías digitales, las adicciones conductuales y las conductas problemáticas en entornos virtuales.
  • Diseñar, implementar y evaluar programas de prevención e intervención destinados a fomentar hábitos digitales saludables y a promover el bienestar psicológico en niños, adolescentes y adultos.
 
Research lines:
  • Digital addictions and problematic technology use.This line of research focuses on the study of patterns of problematic use and compulsive behaviors associated with the use of social networks, video games, online gambling, and mobile applications. It examines the psychological, emotional, and behavioral factors involved in these behaviors, as well as their effects on mental health, psychological well-being, and users¿ social lives. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies are employed, including surveys, longitudinal studies, and digital data analysis, with the aim of understanding, preventing, and intervening in behavioral addictions and promoting a balanced and healthy use of technology.
  • Maladaptive behaviors in digital environments.This line of research examines maladaptive behaviors in virtual spaces, such as trolling, cyberstalking, or cyberbullying, analyzing both individual psychological factors and the social dynamics characteristic of online groups. It investigates the motivations, underlying mechanisms, and psychological and social consequences of these behaviors, as well as the development and evaluation of prevention and intervention strategies aimed at improving digital coexistence and users¿ psychological well-being.
  • Development and validation of instruments for the assessment of behaviors in digital environments.This line of research focuses on the creation, adaptation, and validation of psychometric instruments for the assessment of psychological processes, digital addictions, and behaviors in virtual environments. It includes the design of questionnaires, scales, and tests adapted to different populations and contexts, as well as the application of advanced statistical and psychometric methodologies to ensure the validity and reliability of the developed tools. The results obtained support both basic research and applied and clinical assessment in the digital domain.
  • Individual differences and cultural factors in the use of digital technologies.This line of research examines the influence of individual differences, such as personality traits, emotional regulation, impulsivity, and other relevant psychological variables, together with cultural and contextual factors, including social norms, cultural values, family and educational environments, and characteristics of the digital context, on patterns of digital technology use. It explores how the interaction between personal and contextual variables contributes to the development of problematic use, maladaptive behaviors, and behavioral addictions, as well as to the promotion of psychological well-being and digital coexistence.
 
Group members:
Name Nature of participation Entity Description
SERGIO HIDALGO FUENTESDirectorUniversitat de València
Research team
ISABEL MARTÍNEZ ÁLVAREZCollaboratorUniversidad a distancia de Madrid (Madrid)Professor
ELISA GONZÁLEZ PÉREZCollaboratorUniversidad a distancia de Madrid (Madrid)Professor
IRIS PINEDA ZELAYACollaboratorUniversidad Pedagógica Nacional Francisco MorazánProfessor
 
CNAE:
  • -
 
Associated structure:
  • Basic Psychology
 
Keywords:
  • INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES
  • PROBLEMATIC TECHNOLOGY USE
  • BEHAVIORAL ADDICTIONS
  • MALADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR
  • PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT