The distinct internet addiction of otaku with maladaptive cognition and social support

In Japan, people who indulge in animation, comics, and games are commonly referred to as "otaku." Despite the prevalent stereotype associating otaku with socially maladaptive characteristics, empirical studies on this topic are limited. Previous studies suggest two consistent aspects of otaku: a tendency towards pessimism and excessive internet use. Moreover, research suggests that addictive internet use is associated with pessimistic cognition. For this reason, this study examined the distinguishing characteristics of internet dependence among Japanese otaku. Assuming various content within "Pathological Internet Use (PIU)" specific to otaku, we investigated whether a lack of adaptive cognition and social support predicted "generalized PIU" and whether a lack of adaptive cognition predicted otaku-specific PIU specifically in otaku-characterized individuals. We administered an online questionnaire to 1,115 respondents, who were categorized into otaku and non-otaku groups based on their responses. The results revealed significant inclination among otaku towards stronger PIU and maladaptive cognition, along with lower reported social support. In the multiple regression analysis among otaku, maladaptive cognition emerged as a significant predictor of otaku-specific PIU, and the analysis suggested a stronger association between internet-related maladaptive cognition and overall PIU, distinguishing otaku from non-otaku. In addition, while lower levels of social support did not predict Social Networking Service (SNS) addiction among non-otaku, SNS addiction among otaku was predicted by low degree of support from family members and online friends whom they had not met in person.