Beyond peer contagion: Unique and interactive effects of multiple peer influences on Internet addiction among Chinese adolescents

Abstract

This study examined the roles of different aspects of peer context in the peer contagion of Internet addiction among 956 Chinese adolescents (11–19years, 473 boys and 419 girls). Framed by peer socialization perspectives, the present study examined the unique effects of close peers’ social acceptance and normativeness of Internet addiction on adolescents’ Internet addiction beyond the putative effects of close peers’ Internet addiction. The interactive effects of close peers’ social status and friendship quality with close peers’ Internet addiction on adolescents’ Internet addiction as well as gender differences also were examined. Results showed that male adolescents who were affiliated with peers having lower levels of social acceptance were more likely to develop heightened levels of Internet addiction. Adolescents who were situated in a class with higher levels of Internet addiction also tended to have higher levels of Internet addiction. In addition, male adolescents who perceived their peers possessing higher social status were more vulnerable to peer contagion of Internet addiction. In general, findings suggest the importance of considering multiple facets of peer influences beyond the peer contagion of Internet addiction. Implications for prevention and intervention efforts are discussed.