The association between Internet addiction and dissociation among Turkish college students

Abstract

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate Internet use patterns and Internet addiction among young adult university students and to examine the correlation between excessive Internet use and dissociative symptoms. MethodsThe study was conducted among 1034 students, aged between 18 and 27 years. Internet Addiction Scale, Dissociative Experiences Scale, and a sociodemographic query form were used in the collection of data. Pearson correlation analysis, the t test, and χ2 test were used for data analysis. ResultsAccording to the Internet Addiction Scale, 9.7% of the study sample was addicted to the Internet. The Pearson correlation analysis results revealed a significant positive correlation between dissociative experiences and Internet addiction (r = 0.220; P < .001) and weekly Internet use (r = 0.227; P < .001). Levels of Internet addiction were significantly higher among male students than female students (P < .001). The Internet use pattern also differed significantly between sexes. ConclusionsAccording to the results of this study, Internet addiction is a relatively frequent phenomenon among young adult college students in Turkey. Excessive Internet use is associated with higher levels of dissociative symptoms.