Problematic technology use in Polish adults: Prevalence, co-occurrence, and psychosocial predictors in a nationally representative sample

Background and aims. Problematic technology use (PTU), often referred to as digital addictions, includes excessive use of online pornography, social media, the Internet in general, smartphones, and gaming. Although research on PTU is expanding, nationally representative data on prevalence, co-occurrence, and psychosocial predictors remain limited, particularly in Central Europe. This study examined these aspects in a representative sample of Polish adults.Methods. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among a nationwide random quota sample of 2,122 adults (aged 19–98 years; 47.3% male). PTU was assessed across five domains: online pornography (BPS), social media (BSMAS), general Internet use (s-IAT), smartphones (SABAS), and gaming (GDT). Psychological predictors included social support (MSPSS), basic psychological needs (BPNSFS), loneliness (R-UCLA-SF), and self-control (BSCS). Psychopathological symptoms were measured with the GAD-7 (anxiety) and PHQ-2 (depression).Results. Prevalence estimates indicated the highest rates of problematic online pornography use (22%), followed by social media (7%), general Internet use (6%), smartphones (5%), and gaming (3%). Men showed significantly higher rates of problematic pornography use and gaming. Latent class analysis identified three subgroups: Class 1 (n = 1,944; 91.6%) with uniformly low probabilities of PTU, Class 2 (n = 146; 6.9%) marked by problematic pornography and Internet use, and Class 3 (n = 32; 1.5%) characterized by problematic social media, smartphone, and Internet use. High social support and low needs fulfillment predicted membership in class 2, while loneliness, low self-control, anxiety, and depression predicted both problematic co-occurrence classes.Conclusions. PTU is prevalent and heterogeneous in Polish adults, with distinct co-occurrence profiles linked to psychosocial and psychopathological vulnerabilities. Findings highlight the need for integrated prevention and intervention strategies addressing both psychosocial factors and mental health.