Most behaviors in digital environments are not problematic. But when they are, there are some common elements that can occur together and have an impact on the affected person and their environment. Some of the risk factors that have been described for addictions to digital technologies are:

• Very early use of digital environments designed for other ages.
• Emotional instability, anxiety, and depression.
• Low self-esteem.
• Insecure personality type, extreme shyness.
• Feeling of unwanted loneliness.
• Difficulties in the family and/or social environment.
• Difficulties with self-control in early digital use.