A Cross-Cultural Analysis of the Influence of Psychological Needs and Cultural Individualism on Problematic Internet Use

Arpaci Ibrahim,Karataş Kasım,Kesici Şahin,Baloğlu Mustafa

doi:10.23937/2474-3631/1510033

Arpaci Ibrahim, Karataş Kasım + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.23937/2474-3631/1510033

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Abstract

This study presents a cross-cultural analysis of the influence of psychological needs and cultural individualism on problematic Internet use. The Individualism-Collectivism Scale, New Needs Assessment Questionnaire, and Internet Addiction Scale were used to collect data from American and Turkish college students. A structural equation modeling based multi-group analysis was employed to test the research model and hypothesized relationships.

Highlights

According to the International Telecommunication Union [1], 79.6% of individuals in Europe; 71.3% of the Commonwealth of Independent States; 69.6% of America; 54.7% of Arab States; 47% of Asia/Pacific countries; and 24.4% of African nations use the Internet
This study presents a cross-cultural analysis of the influence of psychological needs and cultural individualism on problematic Internet use
It can be said that a large proportion of people throughout the world are susceptible to problematic Internet use, which usually presents itself as inability to avoid overusing the Internet, excessive time spent online, nervousness and aggression when deprived of the Internet, and the deterioration of one’s work, social, and family life [2]

Summary

Introduction

According to the International Telecommunication Union [1], 79.6% of individuals in Europe; 71.3% of the Commonwealth of Independent States; 69.6% of America; 54.7% of Arab States; 47% of Asia/Pacific countries; and 24.4% of African nations use the Internet. Such an extensive use of the Internet has considerable effects on contemporary people's habits and behaviors. Problematic Internet use is associated with certain personal, social, or vocational problems. This study focused on a cross-cultural investigation of the relationships between psychological needs, cultural individualism and problematic Internet use. A comparison of the US and Turkey is conducted to determine whether there are differences in the proposed relationships between two cultures

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