Influence of internet addiction on academic, sportive, and recreative activities in adolescents

Abstract

Internet addiction (IA) is an increasing health problem worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the impact of IA on male and female adolescents and on their academic, sports, and recreative activities. The study was cross-sectional. Adolescents (N = 1291; mean = 16.2 ± 1.1 year) were questioned on the following factors: smart phone, iPad, and computer use; daily internet use time; academic success; success in sports activities. The IA ratio of the whole group was 25.2%, but it was significantly higher in the female group (35.5%; p = 0.00). When we divided the group according to gender, age (p = 0.002), smart phone use (p = 0.045), sports activity (p = 0.000), sports success (p = 0.000), and healthy eating (p = 0.000) were higher in males; duration of daily internet use (p = 0.00), recreative activity (p = 0.021), musculoskeletal pain (p = 0.000), morning stiffness (p = 0.017), difficulty concentrating (p = 0.000), headaches (p = 0.000), numbness in hands (p = 0.011), forgetfulness (p = 0.000), gastrointestinal problems (p = 0.021), dizziness/imbalance (p = 0.001), and IA (p = 0.000) were higher in females. Although the use of mobile phones was lower in the adolescent female group, daily smartphone use times, IA, IA scores, and somatoform symptoms were found to be higher, independent of body mass index. IA has adverse effects on mental and physical health in adolescents. It is necessary to raise awareness in this regard to ensure the transition into healthy adults.