A COST network has hit international headlines with its manifesto for research into the problematic use of the internet (PUI). The manifesto’s impact sets an example for other COST Actions seeking to attract a wider range of research input.
The ‘European Network for Problematic Usage of the Internet’ proposes in their manifesto nine research priorities that range from finding a reliable definition of PUI, understanding what causes it, and how to screen, diagnose and support people at risk.
“We had a clear wish to bring together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and fields,” says the COST network’s chair, Professor Naomi Fineberg of the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom. “Because of the social policy implications, a manifesto in partnership with the public makes sense.”
First published in an academic journal European Neuropsychopharmacology in October 2018, the manifesto quickly received widespread media interest on a global scale, via promotion through the Science Media Centre in London.
As well as reaching science-focused publications such as IFLScience and the New Scientist, the manifesto was picked up by more mainstream media such as The Telegraph in the UK, The Irish Times and the South China Morning Post.
“PUI is one of the most important social policy issues today. It resonates with the public and the media,” says Fineberg. Yet little scientific consensus on the disorder is currently available.
“Governments need to know more about the science,” she adds. “Vehicles like COST can generate answers.”
Inclusive research
The professor explains that the researchers and experts developed a manifesto rather than a traditional research paper because of the inclusive nature of the network.
“The manifesto gives us measurable research goals, such as reaching consensus on the best definition for different forms of internet-related disorder. We can map performance. This will keep us on task,” Fineberg continues.
Among the network’s members are experts in neuroscience, genetics and the information technology industry, along with clinicians, policymakers, health service planners, patients and carers.
“We are treating this as a public health issue,” she adds. Harmful internet use covers a wide range of behaviours. These can include obsessive social media checking, data hoarding or even cyberbullying.
“PUI is a spectrum disorder,” Fineberg explains. Most people have trouble with their internet use at some time, while a few people have the full disorder. “Psychiatric and social therapies could be possible with the right research,” she adds.
COST has been essential for kick-starting a robust evidence base for both policy and treatment. “Expertise in this field is fragmented around the world,” says Fineberg. “COST allows us to create clusters that have enough patients for scientifically valid results.”
A plan for action
In addition to producing the manifesto in its first year, the network of around 100 researchers and experts from 40 countries has been connecting participants and setting up research exchanges. An initial webinar for experts is available on its website along with recordings from a wider October 2018 conference that was open to the public.
The second year of the project will be dedicated to public consultation through patient and public involvement (PPI) groups. “We want to make sure that we are studying the issues that matter to people with the lived experience of PUI and that any eventual policies are evidence-based and will work,” she says.
According to Fineberg, funding is important for this young research field. “We want to put together researchers to make robust proposals to funders.” Network participants are already targeting European, national and private grant-making bodies, with advice from public affairs experts.
Looking ahead, the network aims to develop links with public policymakers. “Furthermore, we have already been approached by the media for advice on how to translate the science into policy,” says Fineberg.
Finally, in education, this Action would like to set up an international diploma to educate health workers and possibly educators on PUI. “We want to focus on healthy use as much as problematic use,” Fineberg concludes.