Internet use and college adjustment: the moderating role of gender

Abstract

We examined the links between Internet use and college adjustment in a sample ( n=272) of college undergraduate students and whether gender moderated these links. Internet use was assessed using three scales: hours online, social use, and negative aspects of use. Internet use was a consistent predictor of college adjustment. Hours online was unrelated to college adjustment. Social use was positively associated with college adjustment, but only for males. Negative aspects of use was associated with poorer adjustment regardless of participant gender. Results are interpreted in light of current research.