Protective Role of Coping Strategies in the Relationship Between Problematic Internet Use and Emotional Intelligence Among Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Emotion regulation and adaptive coping methods are crucial throughout adolescence, which involves major emotional, cognitive, and social changes. Due to growing digital access and dependency, adolescents are more likely to use the internet inappropriately. Internet usage may harm emotional intelligence, including interpersonal functioning, emotional awareness, and control. This research examined Lucknow teenagers' emotional intelligence and problematic internet use using taskoriented coping as a moderating variable.  Methods: The study used a quantitative design with 800 adolescents from Lucknow (12–15 and 16–19 years). Problematic internet use, emotional intelligence, and task-oriented coping were assessed using the IAT, SSEIT, and CISS-21, respectively, and data were analysed using correlation, regression, and moderation analyses.  Results: Emotional intelligence was negatively correlated with problematic internet use. Higher internet use was associated with poorer interpersonal functioning, emotional regulation, and emotional awareness. Regression analysis showed that taskoriented coping positively predicted emotional intelligences. Goal-oriented and solution-focused coping strategies reduced emotional dysregulation and the harmful effects of excessive internet use among adolescents.  Conclusions: The research shows that excessive internet usage throughout adolescence brings emotional hazards despite its advantages. Though limited, task-oriented coping mechanisms tend to reduce the emotional impacts of problematic internet usage. The results suggest that technology-using adolescent’s require coping skills and emotional development programs at school to improve their emotional well-being and resilience.