The relation between locomotion and assessment regulatory orientations and the problematic Internet use

The present study examines the relationships between generalized problematic Internet use (GPIU) and two regulatory modes (RMs) namely Locomotion and Assessment. Through an on-line survey conducted on two hundred and forty six participants we found that Locomotion and Assessment regulatory orientations have opposite effects on the likelihood of developing GPIU, with the former reducing and the latter increasing it. Specifically, while Assessment orientation positively correlates with each GPIU dimension, Locomotion orientation negatively correlates with preference for online social interaction (POSI), compulsive Internet use and negative outcome. Results also show that deficient self-regulation mediates the effect Assessment has on Negative outcome. Conversely, the effect of Locomotion remained significant. Potential practical implications are discussed.