Problematic internet use in adolescents: A phenomenological study.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Studies on problematic internet use (PIU) are mostly on the non-clinical population. Understanding the experiences of adolescents with PIU is critical in shaping nursing interventions and improving the quality of care. A comprehensive description of the experiences of adolescents with PIU. In the study, descriptive phenomenology design, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. Data were collected using a personal information form and a semi-structured interview form and analysed using Giorgi's phenomenological method (n=11). As a result of the content analysis, five main themes were identified: reasons of PIU, internet-related perceptions, experiences in accessing the internet, experiences in not being able to access the internet and consequences of internet use. Different from previous studies, adolescents stated that they use the internet because of their lack of activity and their need to spend time with their friends. They stated that when they could not access the internet, they thought they could never live without the internet and started quarrel.