What is this collection about?

Internet use is woven into modern life, but problematic patterns of use have become an important global mental health challenge. This cross-journal Collection from Nature Communications, Communications Psychology and Scientific Reports seeks studies that advance understanding of problematic internet use and related online behaviours. The editors especially encourage research that goes beyond self-report questionnaires and cross-sectional surveys through longitudinal, experimental, behavioural, clinical, ecological, computational, digital-trace and mixed-methods approaches. Studies clarifying mechanisms, developmental processes, risk and resilience, and opportunities for prevention and intervention are particularly welcome.

Why is this collection important?

Problematic internet use affects individuals, families and communities worldwide as digital technologies become increasingly integrated into everyday life. This Collection provides an opportunity to bring together robust evidence on the causes, consequences and prevention of problematic online behaviours. Its emphasis on innovative methodologies and interdisciplinary perspectives can help strengthen the evidence base and support the development of more effective interventions, policies and wellbeing strategies for digitally connected societies.

Why submit to a collection?

Collections like this one help attract and promote high-quality science. They are led by internal In-House Editors and supported by a dedicated team of Commissioning Editors and Managing Editors at Springer Nature. Collection manuscripts typically see higher citations, downloads, and Altmetric scores, and provide a one-stop-shop on a cutting-edge topic of interest.

Who is involved?

Communications Psychology is edited by both in-house professional editors and Editorial Board Members.

Guest Editor for Communications Psychology

Cecilia Cheng, PhD, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong China 

Cecilia Cheng is the Eugene Chuang Professor in Social and Developmental Psychology at the University of Hong Kong. Her research spans social, developmental, health, and cyber-psychology, with a focus on youth development, mental wellness and resilience in digitally connected environments. Her interests include technology addiction, responsible technology use, gamified intervention, stress and coping, and culture and behaviour. Her programs of studies examine how artificial intelligence, online platforms and cyber environments shape wellbeing. She is Founder and Director of the Cyberpsychology and Resilience Enhancement (CARE) Laboratory, where she leads research that translates psychological science into evidence-based initiatives for young people, families and the general public.

Nature Communications is edited by in-house professional editors.

Scientific Reports is managed by in-house professional editors and edited by Editorial Board Members.

Our editors work closely together to ensure the quality of our published papers and consistency in author experience.

How can I submit my paper?

Visit the Collection page to find out more about this collection and submit your article.