Abstract
Background & Objectives: Problematic Internet Use (PIU) poses severe risks to psychological distress and quality of life (QOLS). This cross-sectional study examined Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Physical Activity (PA) as protective buffers against PIU and distress across adolescents and adults, with key implications for working populations.

Methods: Standardized self-report scales (K6, QOLS, Young’s IAT, RAPA, and an EI scale) were administered to both cohorts. Descriptive statistics, correlational analyses, and group comparisons were performed.

Results: Among adults, 58% exhibited moderate PIU, struggling to disconnect and using digital access to escape negative emotions, while 45% reported frequent distress. Adult EI scores ("mean total"=12.65/25) highlighted deficits in stress regulation and empathy, impacting workplace quality of life, with only 53% meeting PA guidelines. By comparison, 72% of adolescents displayed moderate PIU and high distress (60%), with 38% at risk for functional impairment. Correlational analyses demonstrated that PIU positively tracked distress (r≈0.45,p<.01). Conversely, higher EI (r≈-0.40 for distress; r≈-0.38 for PIU) and PA (r≈-0.30 for distress; r≈-0.25 for PIU) functioned as protective factors, with adolescents showing heightened developmental vulnerability.

Conclusions & Interventions: Across both cohorts, PIU directly undermines well-being, demanding targeted, age-specific strategies. For adolescents, school-based programs must focus on emotion-recognition training, peer empathy, and guided digital boundaries to mitigate developmental risks and functional impairment. For working adults, organizations should implement "Right to Disconnect" policies paired with targeted workshops that build emotional regulation skills to replace passive online coping mechanisms. Additionally, integrating structured movement breaks, active commuting incentives, and walking meetings into the workday provides the physical activity necessary to buffer psychological distress and safeguard overall quality of life.
JEL Classification: I12, I31, J28, D91