Document Type : Original Article
Researchers
1 Allameh Tabatabaei University, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Counseling Department
2 Department of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran
Ministerial Ethics Committee
The digital age, driven by the expansion of communication technologies and social networks, has transformed the way humans interact and live socially. In this era, adolescents are particularly exposed to both the positive and negative effects of the online world. Although digital technologies offer opportunities for academic growth, self-acceptance, and personal development, they also bring risks such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and problematic internet use. This disorder, defined as an inability to control online behavior, can lead to psychological, social, and emotional problems and is notably prevalent among adolescents. According to Davis’s model, maladaptive cognitive beliefs and prior psychological vulnerabilities are key factors contributing to this issue. Research indicates that distorted cognitions—such as overvaluing online gaming rewards or depending excessively on social approval—are significant drivers of digital behavioral addiction. To counter these risks, the concept of digital resilience has emerged, referring to an individual’s ability to manage and overcome psychosocial challenges associated with digital technology. Digitally resilient individuals can maintain emotional control, critically evaluate online information, and behave responsibly in virtual environments. Ultimately, studies emphasize the need to design a culturally adapted counseling model to strengthen digital resilience among Iranian adolescents, aiming to reduce maladaptive cognitions and problematic internet use.