Internet Addiction In University Students Research Articles

Effectiveness of a web-based group intervention for internet addiction in university students

The phenomenon of Internet addiction has been systematically addressed with numerous studies highlighting its association with deficits in self-regulation. Despite the extensive literature elucidating the adverse effects of Internet addiction on university students, the availability of relevant interventions has remained constrained. The current study aimed at evaluating a web-based, group intervention, which aimed to prevent Internet addiction and enhance self-regulation. The sample consisted of 47 undergraduate and postgraduate university students (Ν = 47, Mage=21, SD = 3), who were divided into an intervention (n = 24) and a control group (n = 23). The participants were asked to complete a) the Internet Addiction Test (Young, 1998), and b) the Self-Regulation Questionnaire (Brown et al., 1999), prior to the commencement of the intervention, after its conclusion, and one and a half months after the intervention. The web-based intervention consisted of 6 sessions, over a two-week period. Results indicated an improvement of self-regulation and Internet addiction levels for the intervention group, compared to the control group. These results were maintained at the one and a half months follow-up. Implications for designing and implementing web-based group interventions for Internet addiction are discussed.

The Relationship Between Obesity and Internet Addiction in University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between obesity and internet addiction in first-year university students (aged 18-25years). The study was designed using a cross-sectional analytic model. Data collection took place at Dokuz Eylul University, involving a diverse group of first-year students from different faculties. The study population comprised 12,365 students, with 2890 individuals selected using cluster sampling. Internet addiction was evaluated using the Online Cognition Scale (OCS). Data on obesity-related variables and demographic details were collected through a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, t test, and ANOVA were applied for statistical evaluation. The study included 2105 participants, with 43.8% males and 56.2% females. A significant positive correlation was found between body mass index (BMI) and OCS scores (P = .000), indicating a higher prevalence of internet addiction among individuals with higher BMI. Males had higher mean OCS scores (91.19 ± 35.14) than females (80.21 ± 30.51) (P = .00). Overweight and obese individuals exhibited higher scores on OCS sub-dimensions (P < .005). Notably, individuals with a BMI over 25 were categorized as overweight, and those with a BMI over 30 were classified as obese. The findings demonstrate a noteworthy relationship between internet addiction and obesity among university students. The study emphasizes the necessity of increased attention to this issue in Turkey for the implementation of effective interventions and preventive measures.

The Mediating Role of Procrastination in the Relationship between Fear of Missing Out and Internet Addiction in University Students.

This study aims to examine the potential mediating role of procrastination in the relationship between fear of missing out and internet addiction. Employing a cross-sectional research design, this study utilized a paper-pencil form to collect data from 315 students (65.4% undergraduate and 66.3% females) between 18 and 32 (Mage = 22.43; SD = 3.81) studying at a state university in Türkiye. Data were collected through the convenience sampling method. The study was designed as a survey model. This design was tested via mediation analysis. The participants completed self-report assessments using the Fear of Missing Out Scale (FoMOs), General Procrastination Scale (GPS-9), and Young Internet Addiction Scale (short form). The findings showed that FoMO had a significant positive direct effect on both procrastination (R2 = 0.13) and internet addiction (R2 = 0.33). Procrastination also had a significant positive direct effect on internet addiction (R2 = 0.34). Additionally, procrastination mediated the relationship between the fear of missing out and internet addiction (β = 0.156, p < 0.001). These findings not only extend the scope of existing research but also hold practical implications for the development of sustainable interventions. It is believed that the findings will contribute to the consideration of procrastination when preparing psychoeducation or group guidance programs for internet addiction. These interventions can effectively address the process through which fear of missing out leads to internet addiction by considering the significant role of procrastination in students. Findings typically suggest that procrastination behavior is a key factor in explaining the association between FoMO and internet addiction.

Socio-demographic and mental health correlates of internet addiction amongst Hong Kong university students under COVID-19.

Regarding the problem of Internet addiction (IA) amongst university students under the pandemic, there are several research gaps. Firstly, few studies have examined IA of university students in Hong Kong, which is a Chinese society heavily influenced by Western values. In addition, findings on the socio-demographic correlates and psychological well-being predictors of IA in university students are unclear. Finally, researchers have not systematically examined the interaction effects of socio-demographic factors (particularly gender and personal infection of COVID-19) and psychological morbidity on IA. This pioneer study aimed to investigate the predictive role of socio-demographic factors and psychological morbidity in IA, and the moderating effects of gender and personal infection of COVID-19 on the relationship between psychological morbidity and IA. We conducted an online survey (N = 1,020 university students) during the ending phase of Wave 5 of the pandemic in Hong Kong (late 2022 to early 2023). Socio-demographic correlates included age, gender, living status, personal and family financial situation, student status, personal and family infection of COVID-19. Participants responded to validated measures of psychological morbidity, including depression, suicidal behavior, and hopelessness. Hierarchical regression and simple slope analyses were used to examine the predictive role of socio-demographic variables and psychological morbidity in IA and the interactive effect of gender and personal infection of COVID-19 with psychological morbidity on IA. Personal financial difficulty was a significant socio-demographic predictor of IA. Depression, suicidal behavior, and hopelessness positively predicted IA. We also found a significant interaction effect of gender and psychological morbidity on IA. While the predictive relationship between depression and IA was stronger in males than in females, hopelessness was more strongly related to IA in females than in males. Finally, there was a significant interaction effect of personal infection of COVID-19 and suicidal behavior on IA. Personal financial difficulty was a socio-economic correlate of IA. Psychological morbidity also predicted IA. Gender and personal infection of COVID-19 moderated the linkage between psychological morbidity and IA. The findings of the study enhance our understanding of individual differences in IA in university students during the pandemic, particularly concerning different ecological risk factors.

Risk Factors and Protective Factors of Internet Addiction in University Students during the Pandemic: Implications for Prevention and Treatment.

While the prevalence rates of Internet addiction (IA) amongst young people during the pandemic are disturbing, few studies have investigated the risk and protective factors of IA in Hong Kong university students under COVID-19. In this study, we examined the relationship between COVID-19-related stress and IA and the role of psychological morbidity and positive psychological attributes in the relationship. In summer 2022, 978 university students completed a survey assessing pandemic-related stress, psychological morbidity, and positive psychological attributes. While psychological morbidity was indexed by depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal behavior, positive psychological attributes included life satisfaction, flourishing, adversity beliefs, emotional competence, resilience, and family functioning measures. Results showed that stress and psychological morbidity positively predicted IA, and psychological morbidity mediated the association between stress and IA. Positive psychological attributes negatively predicted stress and IA, and mediated the connection between stress and IA. Positive psychological attributes moderated the mediating effect of psychological morbidity on the relationship between stress and IA. In addition to theoretical contributions, this study contributes to IA prevention and treatment: reducing psychological morbidity and promoting positive psychological attributes are promising strategies to address IA issues in young people.

Internet Addiction in University Students – Czech study

The main purpose of the presented study is to explore the existing risk of Internet addiction for undergraduate students of Czech universities. The research was conducted as quantitative research; a CIAS-R questionnaire was applied. The data were collected in the years just before the Covid-19 pandemic (between October 2019 and March 2020). 3,366 respondents (2,151 females and 1,215 males) participated in our questionnaire survey. The average CIAS-R score achieved by our respondents was 44 points. It equals 6% of addicted college students (when applying the cut-off point of 63/64), and 3% of addicted students (when applying the cut-off point of 67/68). A significantly higher risk was revealed in males and in full-time students compared to females, and part-time students, respectively. The type of faculty studied was proved to be a significant intervening variable. Applying the 63/64 cut-off point, we revealed 5.6% of addicted students among the students of faculties of education, which is alarming (even if we consider the fact that applying the 67/68 cut-off point, we revealed 2.7% of addicted students.). These students represented almost 50% of our respondents, and they, as future teachers, will play an important role in the prevention of risky behavior.

Resistance to Temptation as a Mediator in the relation between Types of Mood and Internet addiction among University students

This&nbsp;study aims&nbsp;to identify resistance to temptation as a Mediator in the relation between types of mood and internet addiction in university students. The sample for&nbsp;the study consisted&nbsp;of&nbsp;(300)&nbsp;students, they are chosen by using random style with equal distribution. In order to measure this aim, the research adopted scales for resistance to temptation, types of mood and internet addiction. The results of the study refers to there are have types of mood (fearfulness, distress and&nbsp; anger) and Internet addiction in university students, but there are not have that&nbsp; resistance to temptation.&nbsp;&nbsp; As well as that lack of resistance to temptation plays the role of the mediator variable in the relationship between types of mood and internet addiction in university students.

Study of internet addiction and its association with depression and insomnia in university students.

Introduction:Use of internet has increased exponentially worldwide with prevalence of internet addiction ranging from 1.6% to 18 % or even higher. Depression and insomnia has been linked with internet addiction and overuse in several studies.Aims and Objectives:Present study has looked in to pattern and prevalence of internet addiction in university students. This study has also explored the association of internet addiction with depression and insomnia.Material and Methods:In this cross sectional study 954 subjects were enrolled who had been using internet for past 6 months. Information regarding pattern of use and socio demographic characteristics were recorded. Internet addiction Test (IAT), PHQ-9,and insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were applied to measure internet addiction, depression and insomnia respectively.Results:Among 954 subjects, 518 (60.59%) were male and 376 (39.41%) were female with mean age of 23.81 (SD ± 3.72). 15.51% study subjects were internet addicts and 49.19% were over users. Several parameters including graduation level, time spent per day on line, place of internet use, smoking and alcohol had significant association with internet addiction. Internet addiction was predominantly associated with depression and insomnia.Conclusion:Internet addiction is a rising concern among youth. Several parameters including gender, time spent on line, alcohol, smoking predicts higher risk of internet addiction. Depression and insomnia are more common in internet addicts and overusers.

The Relationship Between Loneliness and Internet Addiction in University Students: The Mediating Role of Cognitive Distortions

Bu araştırmanın amacı üniversite öğrencilerinde yalnızlık ve internet bağımlılığı arasındaki ilişkide ilişkilerle ilgili bilişsel çarpıtmaların aracı rolünü ortaya koymaktır. Çalışmaya Gaziantep Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesinde 2017- 2018 eğitim-öğretim yılında eğitim alan farklı bölümlerden 412 öğrenci katılmıştır. Araştırmada Kişisel Bilgi Formu, UCLA Yalnızlık Ölçeği, İnternet Bağımlılığı Ölçeği ve Kişilerarası İlişkilerle İlgili Bilişsel Çarpıtmalar Ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Ölçeklerin çalışma grubuyla olan yapı geçerliliğini test etmek amacıyla Keşfedici Faktör Analizi ve Doğrulayıcı Faktör Analizi yapılmıştır. Verilerin analizi sürecinde betimsel istatistiklerle birlikte t testi, ANOVA, Yapısal Eşitlik Modellemesi ve en son aracılık için de Sobel Testi uygulanmıştır. Elde edilen bulgular incelendiğinde; cinsiyete göre yalnızlık, internet bağımlılığı ve ilişkilerle ilgili bilişsel çarpıtmaların “yakınlıktan kaçınma” alt boyutunda erkeklerin daha fazla puan aldıkları sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Sınıf düzeyine göre ise anlamlı bir ilişki tespit edilememiştir. Yapılan analizler neticesinde yalnızlık ile internet bağımlılığı ve kişilerarası ilişkilerle ilgili bilişsel çarpıtmalar arasında pozitif yönde anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. İlişkilerle ilgili bilişsel çarpıtmaların yalnızlık ve internet bağımlılığı ilişkisinde kısmi aracı rolü olduğu bulunmuştur.

Association between depression, anxiety, stress, social support, resilience and internet addiction: a structural equation modelling

The objective of this study is to test whether depression, anxiety, stress, social support and resilience have a significant effect on predicting internet addiction in university students. For this purpose, the pattern of the associations between the variables was examined. The study was conducted on 349 students attending two different universities during the 2018-2019 Academic Year. In the study, Personal Information Form, Depression, Anxiety Stress Scale, Internet Addiction Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale and Resilience Scale were used to collect data. First of all, whether the data were normally distributed was tested. The data, which were found to be normally distributed, were analyzed with correlation and structural equation modelling and SPSS 25 and AMOS 25 programs were used to analyze data. Significant negative association was found between internet addiction and depression, anxiety and stress. Significant negative association was found between internet addiction and social support and resilience. Significant positive association was found between social support and resilience. Fit indices, regression coefficients and variance values of the model were found to be significant. The variables were found to explain 25% of the variance in internet addiction. It was found that the proposed theoretical model to explain internet addiction was confirmed and the results obtained were in parallel with the literature.

Internet addiction in university students and change through university life

Objective: The aim of this study is determine to university students' internet addiction, internet use behavior and change during university life. Methods: The study was conducted on students who were studying at Erciyes University between the years 2013 and 2016. A medical (pharmacy), a social (theology) and a science (computer engineering) programs has been chosen to represent the university student profile. The Internet Dependency Scale (SCL) was used to determine internet addiction. Normal distribution fitness of the data was tested by the Shapiro-Wilk test. The Mann-Whitney U test, unpaired t test, and Pearson chi-square test was used. Results: The number of students who think that they are addicted to internet has increased about two fold during university life. Despite the fact that no student is in the dependent category according to the IA score, the number of students with limited symptoms decreased about three fold over the years. Time spent in the face of the TV decreased for the years, 1.27±1.32, 0.85±1.20 hours between 2013 and 2016, respectively. However, the use of the daily internet has increased over time, 2.27±1.75 and 2.94±1.84 hours for the years 2013 and 2016, respectively. The first three lines of internet using purpose are social media, watching video and surfing on internet. Over the years, social media, which remark most attention to the changes in students' internet use, has increased from 39.3% to 61.6%. Conclusion: Despite the increase in students’ access, internet and internet use time their university life, their rate of addiction was decreased. This study suggests that students use internet more intensively with their level of education increases but use more consciously. None of student was internet addiction, this may be due to fact that using this scale is inadequate to determine internet addiction. The use of more comprehensive methods to identify addicted individuals, particularly those with limited symptoms with clinical observation can guide treatment planning with clearer outcomes.

An analysis of introvert and extrovert problems according to the patterns of internet addiction in university students

An analysis of introvert and extrovert problems according to the patterns of internet addiction in university students

The Mediating Effects of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Emotional Clarity in the Relationship between Daily Stress and Internet Addiction in University Students

The Mediating Effects of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Emotional Clarity in the Relationship between Daily Stress and Internet Addiction in University Students

The relationship between schizotypal personality and internet addiction in university students

The current study assessed the relationship between problematic internet behaviors, as measured by the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and schizotypal personality traits, measured by the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences (O-LIFE(B)). One hundred participants (aged between 20 and 30) were given a battery of psychometric assessments, including the IAT and O-LIFE(B), as well as measures of depression, and anxiety. Around 30% of the sample displayed responses to the IAT that suggested some problems controlling internet behaviors, and there was no gender difference in these figures. There were associations between both the impulsive nonconformity and introverted anhedonia schizotypal personality traits and problematic internet use, over and above those associated with depression and anxiety. This replicates some previous work that implies that impulsiveness and depression are predictive of behavioral addictions, but places them within a single construct. The findings also support the notion of two groups of users who display problematic internet behaviors – impulsive and depressed individuals.

Relationship of Internet addiction with self-esteem and depression in university students.

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship of self-esteem and depression with Internet addiction in university students. The present descriptive-analytic correlation study involved 408 students (150 female and 258 male) who had been selected by means of a cluster sampling method from among all the students studying in Birjand Islamic Azad University. Students were evaluated through the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Cooper Smith Self-Esteem Inventory (CSEI) and Internet Addiction Test (IAT). The results indicated that 40.7% of the students had Internet addiction. A significant correlation emerged between depression, self-esteem and Internet addiction. Regression analysis indicated that depression and self-esteem were able to predict the variance of Internet addiction to some extent. It may be important to evaluate self-esteem and depression in people with Internet addiction. These variables should be targeted for effective cognitive behavioral therapy in people with Internet addiction.

Relationship of Internet addiction with cognitive style, personality, and depression in university students

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to investigate the relationship of dysfunctional attitudes, self-esteem, personality, and depression with Internet addiction in university students. MethodsA total of 720 university students participated in the study in Bülent Ecevit University English Preparatory School which offers intensive English courses. Students were evaluated with a sociodemographic data form, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale form A (DAS-A), Internet Addiction Scale (IAS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised/Abbreviated Form (EPQR-A). ResultsThe results indicated that 52 (7.2%) of the students had Internet addiction. There were 37 (71.2%) men, 15 (28.8%) women in the addicted group. While the addicted groups' BDI, DAS-A perfectionistic attitude, need for approval, RSES, EPQR-A neuroticism, and psychoticism scores were significantly higher, EPQR-A lie scores were significantly lower than those of the non addicted group. According to the multiple binary logistic regression analysis, being male, duration of Internet usage, depression, and perfectionistic attitude have been found as predictors for Internet addiction. It has been found that perfectionistic attitude is a predictor for Internet addiction even when depression, sex, duration of Internet were controlled. ConclusionsTo the knowledge of the researchers, this study is the first study to show the dysfunctional attitudes in Internet addiction. It can be important to evaluate dysfunctional attitudes, personality, self-esteem and depression in people with Internet addiction. These variables should be targeted for effective treatment of people with Internet addiction in cognitive behavioral therapy.