Might insecurity and use of ICT enhance internet addiction and exhaust people? A study in two European countries during emergency remote working

Chiara Ghislieri; Valentina Dolce; Domenico Sanseverino; Sophie Wodociag; Anne-Marie Vonthron; Émilie Vayre; Marianna Giunchi; Monica Molino

doi:10.1016/j.chb.2021.107010

Might insecurity and use of ICT enhance internet addiction and exhaust people? A study in two European countries during emergency remote working

Comput Human Behav. 2022 Jan:126:107010. doi: 10.1016/j.chb.2021.107010. Epub 2021 Sep 6.

Authors

Chiara Ghislieri¹, Valentina Dolce², Domenico Sanseverino¹, Sophie Wodociag³, Anne-Marie Vonthron⁴, Émilie Vayre⁵, Marianna Giunchi⁴, Monica Molino¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
² Groupe de Recherche en Psychologie Sociale (GRePS), Institute of Psychology, Université Lumière Lyon 2, Bron, France.
³ Centre de Recherche en Gestion des Organisations (CREGO), Université de Haute-Alsace, Mulhouse, France.
⁴ Department of Psychology, University Paris Nanterre, Nanterre, France.
⁵ National Health Institute (INSERM) U1296 - "Radiation: Defense, Health Environment", Institute of Psychology, Université Lumière Lyon 2, Bron, France.

Abstract

Facing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, we have witnessed a strong recourse to generalised lockdowns and to the deployment of remote working. These emergency measures have also thrown employers and employees into uncertainty regarding the present and future existence of their job. The present study aimed to examine the role of job insecurity and job demands in non-working hours through technologies on emotional exhaustion mediated by Internet addiction. A total of 999 remote workers, 501 of whom live in France and 498 in Italy, completed a self-report questionnaire during the first lockdown. Results suggest that both job insecurity and the requests to use technology for work purposes during non-work time exacerbate emotional exhaustion through the mediation of Internet Addiction. Limitations, future perspectives, and implications for management are discussed.

Keywords: Cross-cultural study; Emotional exhaustion; Internet addiction; Job insecurity; Use of ICT.