If one had to define the main objective of the research undertaken by the authors, it is the search for protective factors that neutralize “the negative psychological effects associated with Internet addiction and online risk exposure.”

The aim of the research was to “develop and empirically validate a theoretical model of adolescent resilience in the presence of online risks.” The authors conducted a study on a sample of 75 adolescents, who completed a web-based survey. Using path and mediation analyses, the authors confirmed the negative impact of Internet addiction on negative affect. They also proved that “risk exposure ... mediates the relationship between Internet addiction and negative affect.” Most importantly, they found that resilience is a protective factor that neutralizes or reduces “the negative effects of Internet addiction and online risk exposure.”

The research undertaken by the authors is interesting both from theoretical (model construction) and methodological (model validation) points of view. Every year a growing number of studies reveal that young people are addicted to the Internet. As in the case of any addiction, the search for protective factors becomes crucial. Thus, the authors’ discovery that resilience--“the ability to overcome negative effects associated with risk exposure, helping an individual cope with traumatic experiences”--is a protective factor that is very important. The research has not only scientific but also practical implications.