The bidirectional association between peer relationships and internet addiction: A meta-analytic structural equation model based on longitudinal studies

Decades of research implicates peer relationships in internet addiction. Yet, inconsistent findings, underpowered studies, and the tendency for researchers to assume one direction of influence have clouded understanding of whether peer relationships is a vulnerability factor for internet addiction, a consequence of internet addiction, or both. Our primary aim was to address this by using meta-analytic structural equation modeling to test cross-lagged reciprocal relations between peer relationships and internet addiction. Our secondary aim was to examine possible moderators that might explain heterogeneity across studies by conducting a multivariate random-effects meta-analysis. A total of 37 articles were identified for inclusion, including 45,212 subjects. The results show that peer relationships significantly negatively predict internet addiction over time and vice versa. Moderating analyses showed that cultural background had moderating effects on the prediction of peer relationships on internet addiction. Time lag and cultural background had moderating effects on the prediction of internet addiction on peer relationships. The results reveal a complex bidirectional dynamic relationship between peer relationships and internet addiction, providing empirical basis and practical guidance for formulating targeted prevention and intervention strategies.