The Current Status of Internet Fiction Addiction among Chinese Middle School Adolescents and Its Association with Self-Efficacy and Boredom Proneness

Abstract

With the widespread utilization of the Internet, symptoms associated with Internet Fiction addiction are increasingly prevalent among Chinese netizens. This addictive behavior not only poses risks to personal well-being and emotional stability but also jeopardizes physical health. However, the relevant studies remain scarce and the definition of IFA is controversial. In order to address this gap, a questionnaire survey was conducted on 412 Chinese middle school students to investigate their levels of Internet Fiction addiction, self-efficacy, and boredom proneness. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between Internet Fiction addiction and boredom proneness while no significant correlation is observed between IFA and self-efficacy. This discrepancy may be attributed to the fact that heightened levels of boredom proneness contribute to mood fluctuations, increased indulgence in daydreaming activities, as well as a distorted perception of time -- all factors that exacerbate the symptoms associated with Internet fiction addiction. The study further investigated risk factors for Internet fiction addiction among Chinese middle school students, enhancing research in this area and providing a reference for the prevention and correction of this issue.