Internet use 101 in college: Do undergraduates want to learn healthier internet use?

Abstract

BackgroundInternet overuse is an emerging public health emergency, especially for college students in the United States. The purpose of this study was to assess college students’ internet usage and interest in learning healthy internet usage skills as part of a college curriculum. Study designParticipants completed an online anonymous questionnaire which included the short version of the Internet Addiction Test, a modified Youth Health Movement survey, and questions regarding their interest in healthy internet use coursework. MethodsA total of 402 participants were recruited via an email LISTSERV of current undergraduates and recent graduates who had taken at least one class within a child and adolescent mental health studies minor while enrolled in a large university. ResultsOverall, 70% of participants reported that they use the internet excessively, and a majority of participants reported that internet use has negatively affected their sleep and increased their anxiety. Seventy percent of participants reported that they would benefit from instruction on healthy internet usage via formal courses for credit or online modules. ConclusionsStudents are aware of the difficulty in managing their internet use in college and are motivated to engage in novel courses on healthy internet usage. Academic institutions should consider developing courses or modules on healthy internet use.