Using the Internet a Lot Is Not the Same as "Social Media Addiction": What Research Says About Autistic Traits, Problematic Internet Use and Social Media Use
Byline: Chau Sir / chausir.com
This article summarises public research with AI assistance.
What the study looked at
A Netherlands and international team (Muris, Otgaar, Donkers, Ollendick and Deckers) published two meta-analyses in 2025 in a child and family psychology review journal. The work gathers findings on (young) autistic people / higher autistic traits and "problematic internet use" (PIU, including generalised PIU, problematic gaming, and phone overuse), and separately on social media use volume. [1]
What the review found
The first meta-analysis included 46 studies and 42,274 participants. The second included 15 studies and 7,036 participants.
The review found a medium positive association between autism / higher autistic traits and higher PIU (average effect size r = 0.26, 95% CI [0.21, 0.31]). The effect was stronger for problematic gaming, next for generalised PIU, and not significant for phone overuse. Age group and study method also moderated the findings: the association was relatively smaller in children and adolescents, and larger in young adults and adults. The authors suggest this may partly relate to parents being more able to shape online time during the growing years.
Separately, autism / higher autistic traits showed a medium negative association with social media use volume (r = −0.28, 95% CI [−0.38, −0.18]). Across the literature, this group tended to use typical social platforms less. The authors note that study quality was mostly moderate, measures were not consistent enough, and the social media set may show publication bias. They call for finer observation of online behaviour in future work. This is a synthesis of existing quantitative research. It does not mean every autistic teen will "get hooked" or will never use social media, and it is not about cause and effect. [1]
Reading the findings with care
These are two meta-analyses. They map how existing quantitative studies describe the association of autistic traits with "problematic internet use" and with social media use volume. The two patterns go in different directions and should not be mixed up: the first is about online use that runs out of control and gets in the way of daily life; the second is about how much people take part on typical social platforms. Most included studies come from samples outside Hong Kong, where home space, tutoring load and shared-phone habits differ, so the findings are a reference only. [1]
Small things Hong Kong parents can notice
Hong Kong children are often "phone in hand". Parents of children with special needs often worry "are they always gaming?" or "why do they barely use WhatsApp or Instagram?". This review is a reminder that what the literature shows is an association between "problematic internet use" and autistic traits, while participation on typical social media may be lower; the two should not be treated as the same thing.
In everyday life, you could ask separately how long "gaming / watching clips" and "chat platforms with people" each take, and what they are for. Set predictable online time windows and a clear "phone away" signal with your child, rather than relying only on scolding. Notice whether online friends or game voice chat feel like a safer way for them to connect. Align with the school on how "homework / interest-related online time" and "out-of-control online time" are handled differently.
From a CRP (Communication, Relationship, Parenting) point of view, online time can itself be communication and relationship: adults and the child talk through purpose and time windows together, keep a predictable rhythm, and do not ban everything in one go. The research is a reference only. Every family and school has its own pace, and there is no need to blame yourself or your child. If online use has long been affecting sleep, school, or family conflict, you can check with the school or a relevant service unit.
Sources
1. Muris, P., Otgaar, H., Donkers, F., Ollendick, T. H., & Deckers, A. (2025). Caught in the Web of the Net? Part I: Meta-analyses of Problematic Internet Use and Social Media Use in (Young) People with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 28(2), 392–413. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-025-00524-8
Disclaimer
Educational information, not a diagnosis or medical advice.
Chau Sir's talks and articles are parent education. They do not provide diagnosis, assessment or treatment, and do not provide medical or medication advice. If needed, please consult a qualified professional.
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