Internet Addiction Test Research Articles

Long-term changes on behavioral addictions symptoms among adults with attention deficithyperactivity disorder treated withmethylphenidate.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and behavioral addictions (BAs) are highly comorbid but little is known about the effect of anti-ADHD medications on behavioral addiction symptoms. Thus, the aim of this naturalistic prospective study was to investigate the long-term changeson BAs symptoms among methylphenidate-treated adults with a primary diagnosis of ADHD. 37 consecutive adult ADHD outpatients completed a baseline and follow-up assessment of ADHD, mood and BAs symptoms (internet, shopping, food, sex addictions and gambling disorder) after one year of methylphenidate (flexible dose) treatment. Internet addiction test scores pre-treatment were significantly higher than post-treatment scores (p < 0.001). The same trend was seenfor the shopping addiction (p = 0.022), food addiction scores (p = 0.039) and sex addiction scores (p = 0.047). Gambling disorder scores did not differ pre and post treatment since none of the included patients reported significant gambling symptoms at baseline. The rate of ADHD patients with at least one comorbid BA was reduced after methylphenidate treatment (51.4% vs 35.1%). The correlation analyses showed a moderate positive correlation between the changes in sluggish cognitive tempo symptoms, cognitive impulsivity, mood and anxiety symptoms and changes in internet addiction symptoms. This is the first study showing that after one-year of treatment with methylphenidate,adult ADHD patients show a significant reduction on internet, food, shopping and sex addiction symptoms. Further controlled studies with larger samples should replicate these preliminaryresults and elucidate the role of methylphenidate and other moderator factors (such as concomitant psychological treatments or lifestyle habits changes) on BAs improvements.

The study of psychosocial characteristics of youth with internet addiction

Objective: To explore the mental health status, coping styles, personality traits, and time management tendencies of adolescents with internet addiction, providing a theoretical basis for the mental and physical health education of these youth. Methods: A total of 2,784 students were screened for internet addiction using an internet addiction test questionnaire. Of the 80 identified internet addicts, 77 students were designated as the study group, and 80 students without a tendency towards internet addiction were selected as the control group. Both groups were evaluated using the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), and the Adolescent Time Management Disposition Scale (ATMD). Results: The rate of internet addiction among adolescents was 3.1%. Except for the paranoid and psychotic factor scores, the study group's SCL-90 scores in the remaining eight factors were significantly higher than those of the control group (P&lt;0.01). The active coping dimension score of the SCSQ was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (P&lt;0.01), while the passive coping dimension score was significantly higher (P&lt;0.01). The introversion and neuroticism dimension scores of the EPQ were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (P&lt;0.01), while the psychoticism dimension score was significantly higher (P&lt;0.01). The ATMD scores for time value, time monitoring, and time efficacy were all significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (P&lt;0.01). Conclusion: Adolescents with internet addiction have poor mental health status, a more negative problem-solving approach, introverted and reclusive personality types, and unreasonable time management.

Internet addiction prevalence and associated factors among secondary-level private school students in urban Nepal: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of internet addiction and its associated factors among secondary-level private school students in an urban municipality in Nepal.DesignCross sectional.SettingPrivate schools in Budhanilkantha Municipality, Kathmandu District in...

Network analysis of childhood maltreatment and internet addiction in adolescents with major depressive disorder.

Childhood maltreatment (CM) is closely linked to internet addiction (IA), especially in adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Previous studies have shown that adolescents who experience CM are more likely to develop IA and other psychological problems. This study aims to explore the complex relationship between CM and IA through network analysis, particularly identifying the core symptoms and bridge symptoms to better understand the development of IA in these adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven hospitals in Anhui Province, China, involving 332 adolescents diagnosed with MDD using DSM-5 criteria. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire - Short Form (CTQ-SF) and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) were used to assess CM and IA symptoms, respectively. Gender-based network analysis was also performed. Network analysis constructed a CM-IA network and identified core and bridge symptoms. "Depress/moody/nervous being offline", "Request an extension for longer time", "Sleep loss due to late-night logins", and "emotional abuse" emerged as central symptoms within the CM-IA network. Additionally, "emotional abuse", "sexual abuse", and "complaints about online time" were identified as key bridge symptoms linking CM and IA. These symptoms demonstrated significant connectivity, underscoring their critical role in linking CM and IA. The findings highlight the complex relationship between CM and IA in adolescents with MDD. Specific symptoms, such as emotional abuse and online-related symptoms, play important roles in understanding and intervening in adolescent IA. Future interventions should target these core and bridge symptoms for more effective prevention and treatment.

Association Between Internet Addiction, Perceived Stress, Salivary Cortisol Level and Educational Declare in Dental Students

Background and Objectives: Internet addiction is one of the challenges of students that may affect their academic performance and cause stress. One of the metabolic changes related to stress is the salivary cortisol level. This study aims to evaluate the relationship of internet addiction with perceived stress, salivary cortisol level, and academic failure in dental students. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study with a cross-sectional design, 123 dental students from Qom University of Medical Sciences participated. They were selected by a census sampling method. A demographic form, the internet addiction test, and the perceived stress scale were completed by them. Their academic failure was assessed and their salivary cortisol level was measured by the ELISA method. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, t-test, Pearson correlation test, and regression analysis. Results: Internet addiction had a positive and significant relationship with perceived stress (r=0.21, P=0.003) and its two domains of negative perception (r=0.301, P=0.005) and positive perception (r=0.279, P=0.009). However, it had no significant relationship with salivary cortisol level (P=0.123) or academic failure (P=0.614). Conclusion: It seems that decreasing internet addiction can reduce the perceived stress of dental students.

Internet addiction: the Czech and Slovak adolescent population

BackgroundAdolescence is often seen as an important period for further personality development. In today's world, it is therefore important to keep track of current trends in adolescents. One of them is addictive behaviour in the context of the online environment. Spending too much time online can have a negative impact on the quality of life of adolescents. It is therefore important to pay increased attention to this phenomenon and to respond adequately to the current situation.MethodsOur study focuses on the prevalence of Internet addiction among Czech and Slovak adolescents. In total, 3,741 respondents participated in the project (N = 2,642 CZ; N = 1,099 SK); their ages ranged from 11 to 19 years (M = 14.38; SD ± 2.27). The research addressed differences among individual types of schools and between sexes in relation to Internet addiction. The research focused on adolescents attending secondary schools (ISCED 2 and 3) between the ages of 11 and 19 in the Czech and Slovak Republics. A questionnaire battery consisting of a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) questionnaire was used for data collection.ResultsIn relation to the category of Internet use, girls did not score higher than boys either in the Czech group F(1, 2112) = .089, p = .765, or in the Slovak group F(1, 927) < .001 p = .994. There is a significant effect of school type both in the Czech group F(4, 2100) = 11.483, p < .001, and in the Slovak group F(4, 859) = 2.859, p = .023.ConclusionsOur research indicates that some adolescents, particularly boys, face issues with excessive Internet use, affecting social interactions. Further studies in the Czech Republic could explore the link between psychosocial factors and adolescent Internet use. This highlights the need to raise awareness among professionals about Internet addiction in Czech and Slovak adolescents.

Relationship between internet and smartphone addiction and eating attitude and feelings of loneliness in young and adults

BackgroundThe developing technology and the rapid increase in the use of the internet, smartphones, and mobile applications can disrupt the daily quality of life of individuals. This research aimed to scrutinize the link between the internet and smartphone addiction of individuals, eating attitude, and loneliness status. This research was carried out in Ankara, Turkey, and cross-sectional study. A total of 643 (M = 240, F = 403) volunteers between the ages of 18 and 50 participated in the study. Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), Young Internet Addiction Test (YIAT), Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), and UCLA Loneliness Scales were used in this study.ResultsAs the age of the participants increased, YIAT (r = − 0.352, p < 0.01), SAS scale (r = − 0.302, p < 0.01), and UCLA questionnaire scores (r = − 107, p < 0.01) decreased. When BMI of individuals increas, YIAT (r = − 0.163, p < 0.01), and SAS scale (r = − 0.173, p < 0.01) scores decrease. As a result of logistic regression multiple analysis, the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) values for the risk of abnormal eating attitudes were 1.654 (1.166–2.607) in overweight and 2.257 (1.466–3.477) in smartphone addiction (p < 0.05).ConclusionsAccording to the results of this study, it can be put forth that smartphone and internet addiction is associated with abnormal eating attitude and loneliness.

A study of impulsivity as a predictor of problematic internet use in university students with disabilities.

The role played by impulsivity in problematic internet use (PIU) is the object of much debate among researchers. Some studies emphasize its importance, while others suggest mental distress or personality traits may be more crucial. More research into the issue is clearly needed-especially in at-risk populations like people with disabilities. The objectives of this study were therefore to investigate the relationship between PIU and impulsivity among university students with disabilities, and to develop a specific predictive model for this group that would include psychological and life-functioning variables. A cross-sectional design was used with a sample of 240 Spanish university students with disabilities from seven universities. Several instruments were used for data collection: a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure (CORE-OM), and NEO-FFI-R. The results indicated that impulsivity is significantly correlated with PIU, as indeed it also is with other factors like conscientiousness and social functioning problems. The study's regression model explained nearly 50% of PIU variance, with impulsivity, personality traits, wellness and health indicators, and social media usage as predictive variables. This suggests that interventions should consider these psychological and lifestyle variables as a means of mitigating PIU risks in students with disabilities. The findings identify a need for further longitudinal studies to understand the causality and develop targeted prevention strategies.

Investigating the relationship between internet addiction, domestic violence, and emotional divorce among married women in Tehran

BackgroundIdentifying the factors affecting emotional divorce due to the negative consequences of this social problem in women can play an important role in preventing its occurrence. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between internet addiction, domestic violence, and emotional divorce among married women in Tehran.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among married women in Tehran, Iran. Sampling was conducted first through a multi-stage cluster method and then continued using a random method. Tehran was divided into five parts: central, northern, southern, eastern, and western. The sample size was divided by 5, resulting in 80 participants selected from each part. In each part, two regions were selected, and in each region, 40 houses were randomly selected. Researchers visited the selected houses, and the questionnaires were filled out at home by the women. Tools such as Gottman’s Emotional Divorce Test, Young’s Internet Addiction Test, and the Domestic Violence against Women Survey were used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data in SPSS (version 24) software.ResultsA total of 400 women participated in the study. 46% of all married women suffered emotional divorce. The analysis of these tests showed that are positive and significant relationships between emotional divorce and internet addiction (r = 0.626, p < 0.0001), emotional divorce and domestic violence (r = 0.632, p < 0.0001), and internet addiction and domestic violence (r = 0.455, p < 0.0001). It was also found that there are significant negative relationships between emotional divorce and both the level of education (r=-0.115, p = 0.021) and employment status (r=-0.512, p < 0.0001). Additionally, there are significant negative relationships between internet addiction and age (r=-0.285, p < 0.0001), duration of marriage (r=-0.237, p < 0.0001) and employment status (r=-0.694, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, it was revealed that there are significant negative relationship between domestic violence and age (r=-0.104, p = 0.037) and level of education (r=-0.156, p = 0.002).ConclusionAlmost half of the married women in this study experienced emotional divorce, internet addiction, and domestic violence. These factors have a direct relationship with emotional divorce. Future studies are needed to understand how internet addiction might be associated with separation, emotional divorce and family problems.

Assessing the Reliability, Dimensions, and Variance of Young's Internet Addiction Test by Applying it to Adolescents at the National Psychiatric Hospital in Costa Rica.

The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was the first instrument created specifically to assess Internet addiction (IA). Although it was not validated during its creation, its validity has since been confirmed thanks to subsequent studies. The IAT is the first global psychometric measure tested worldwide that has been used in several studies as a research tool. Regarding the dimensions of the IAT, they were not reported by the creator of the test, during the performed factor analysis. Nonetheless, different studies have defined the test as being one-dimensional and others as having three, four, five, and six dimensions. In the present study, seven dimensions were identified; however, there is still a lack of consensus about the number of dimensions that accurately define this test. Hence, Young's Internet Addiction Test presents a shortcoming that may be explained by the influence of several factors such as how it was applied, the place where it was applied, and the population to which it was applied. All of these are factors that could be linked to the sociocultural aspects of the adaptations that have been made to the test. Moreover, the first dimension of the IAT found, the loss of self-control, is extremely important because it explains 34% of the variance of the data. However, 74% of the variance is explained by applying the 7 dimensions identified in this research. Also, the reliability analysis showed that the IAT is 89% reliable, which indicates that the elements comprising the test used in this research are suitable for measuring the construct of Internet addiction.

Addiction among high school students: determination of nicotine, substance, game, and internet addiction levels

ABSTRACT Aim The aims of this study were to determine the levels of cigarette smoking, psychoactive substances, game, and internet addiction among high school students and to examine whether addictions show a significant difference according to some socio-demographic variables and the relationships between addiction types. Method A total of 530 high school students studying in Turkey, agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Sociodemographic Questionnaire (which contains DSM-V categories of addictive substances), Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), Game Addiction Scale (GAS), and Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Results Approximately 1.9% of the respondents were smokers and 0.8% were inhalant users. Respondents scored 7.43 ± 2.88 on FTND, 13.92 ± 5.57 on the GAS, and 43.44 ± 18.80 on the IAT. Male respondents received a higher average score on the GAS than female respondents, and female respondents received a higher average score on the IAT than male respondents. As body mass index increased, a statistically significant, positive and moderate correlation was found between GAS scores and IAT scores. Conclusion Addictions are becoming more and more widespread and measures, information, and research should be increased and young people should be educated about addictions.

Assessing the Reliability, Dimensions, and Variance of Young's Internet Addiction Test by Applying it to Adolescents at the National Psychiatric Hospital in Costa Rica

Background: The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was the first instrument created specifically to assess Internet addiction (IA). Although it was not validated during its creation, its validity has since been confirmed thanks to subsequent studies. The IAT is the first global psychometric measure tested worldwide that has been used in several studies as a research tool. Regarding the dimensions of the IAT, they were not reported by the creator of the test, during the performed factor analysis. Nonetheless, different studies have defined the test as being one-dimensional and others as having three, four, five, and six dimensions. Methods: In the present study, seven dimensions were identified; however, there is still a lack of consensus about the number of dimensions that accurately define this test. Results: Hence, Young's Internet Addiction Test presents a shortcoming that may be explained by the influence of several factors such as how it was applied, the place where it was applied, and the population to which it was applied. All of these are factors that could be linked to the sociocultural aspects of the adaptations that have been made to the test. Conclusions: Moreover, the first dimension of the IAT found, the loss of self-control, is extremely important because it explains 34% of the variance of the data. However, 74% of the variance is explained by applying the 7 dimensions identified in this research. Also, the reliability analysis showed that the IAT is 89% reliable, which indicates that the elements comprising the test used in this research are suitable for measuring the construct of Internet addiction.

Internet Addiction: Influencing Academic, Non-academic and Psychological Aspects in Offshore Malaysian Medical Students

Excessive internet usage creates abundant problems like dependency and addictive behaviour. Internet addiction (IA) is becoming a universal public health concern. The isolated group of Malaysian students studying in offshore campuses in India is more susceptible to IA due to language, culture, ethnicity, and food habit differences, leading to a lack of communication with native students. The study aims to determine the prevalence of IA and its influence on academic, non-academic, and psychological aspects in Malaysian medical students. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 170 offshore Malaysian medical students using Young’s Internet Addiction Test (Y-IAT) questionnaire of 20 items. The difference was tested by student’s t-test and the association between IA and other factors by chi-square test with a statistical significance at 5%. The study observed a 46% prevalence of IA in offshore Malaysian medical students. Male students were more prone to IA compared to females. The amount of time spent on entertainment per day was significantly (p = 0.004) associated with IA. The present study revealed that the prevalence of IA was significantly associated with academic performance (χ2 = 33.670, p = 0.001) and psychological disturbances like sleep disturbance due to late-night log-ins (χ2 = 41.013, p = 0.001), felt life would always be joyless (χ2 = 27.272, p = 0.001) and, depressed moody without internet (χ2 = 33.347, p = 0.001). The present study revealed that IA has an adverse impact on students’ academic activities as well as on psychological health. Medical teachers and schools should identify students who are prone to and affected by IA and recommend interventions based on their needs. This study recommends that students utilise their valuable time in offline activities like regular sports, cultural exchange programmes, fun activities, yoga, meditation, and learning new skills and languages. These activities may help students prevent overindulgence with the internet, encourage the overall growth of promising doctors, and build a healthy society.

Hubungan Pola Asuh dan Adiksi Internet pada Remaja Kristen di Jabodetabek

Christian teenagers Jabodetabek, like teenagers in general, are vulnerable to internet addiction. The type of parenting style from parents plays an important role in determining the level of internet addiction of adolescents. This study aims to identify differences in the level of internet addiction based on the type of parenting style among Christian adolescents in Greater Jakarta. A total of 291 adolescents participated in this study. This study uses two instruments, namely the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) to measure the level of internet addiction and the Parenting Style Inventory-II (PSI-II) to identify the type of parenting style of parents. The results showed that neglectful parenting was associated with higher rates of internet addiction in adolescents. In contrast, authoritative and permissive parenting, which has a higher level of responsiveness, tends to be associated with lower rates of internet addiction. These findings show the importance of responsive parenting in preventing internet addiction in adolescents.

Internet addiction, sleeping habits and psychological distress in Brazilian adolescents and young adults.

The internet is widespread in modern society and has raised concerns about excessive usage and its consequences for different aging groups. This study explores the relationships between internet addiction, sleep patterns, and psychological distress in adolescents and young adults. In order to assess this phenomenon, an exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Brazil from October to December 2023. A questionnaire, administered via Google Forms, collected data from 618 participants aged 15-36. The participants consisted of a non-probabilistic community sample selected based on convenience criteria. Instruments included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Internet Addiction Test, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and Social Media Engagement Questionnaire. It was categorized 48.1% as having moderate internet addiction, and classified 0.8% as having severe internet addiction. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between internet addiction and depression, anxiety, and stress. Logistic regression identified internet addiction and overall psychological distress as predictors of sleep difficulties, along with unemployment status. The findings highlight the detrimental impact of excessive internet use on sleep quality and mental health. The bidirectional relationship between internet addiction and psychological distress underscores the complex interplay between these variables. This study underscores the urgent need for interventions targeting internet addiction and its associated consequences in adolescents and young adults. Addressing internet addiction levels and promoting healthy internet usage habits are crucial steps in mitigating the adverse effects on mental health and sleep quality. There is a need for targeted interventions, protocols, and preventive measures to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive internet use on mental health and sleep quality. Public health strategies should include IA and its consequences in health programs with multidisciplinary approaches and protocols for treatments for behavioral addictions. The study emphasizes the multifaceted nature of internet addiction and its implications for mental health and sleep patterns.

Depression, Anxiety and Stress with Problematic Internet use Among Youth Attending; A Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Background: Excessive and uncontrolled internet use can significantly impair daily functioning in various life domains. Despite the numerous benefits of the internet, its addictive use is a growing concern, particularly among youth, who are prone to anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders. Understanding the current scenario is essential for devising effective interventions, yet no scientific data is available in Bangladesh. Objective: To assess between depression, anxiety, and stress among youth with problematic internet use (PIU) attending a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, from October 2020 to September 2022. Participants were interviewed using a structured socio-demographic questionnaire, the Bangla versions of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21-BV). Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0, with significance set at p&lt;0.05. Results: Among the 90 participants (mean age: 21.33 years; 68% male, 32% female), 95% were students, and 87% were from nuclear families. Internet use exceeded one year for 83% of participants. PIU levels were minimal in 15%, moderate in 62%, and excessive in 22%. Severe depression was observed in 15% of participants, severe anxiety in 25%, and severe stress in 25%. Extremely severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were found in 14%, 5%, and 14% of participants, respectively. Significant risk factors for PIU included male gender (χ²=8.217; p=0.02) and over three hours of daily internet use (χ²=35.289; p=0.001). PIU was significantly associated with depression (χ²=20.380; p=0.001), anxiety (χ²=16.159; p=0.019), and stress (χ²=14.734; p=0.019). Conclusion: Depression, anxiety, and stress are significantly associated with PIU. Early risk assessment, proper internet use, and initial screening are essential for managing potential mental disorders linked to PIU.

The predictive relationship between curiosity and internet addiction among tertiary students in Ghana

Internet addiction is an emerging mental health concern, particularly among young people who avidly use online technologies. This cross-sectional study examined the predictive relationship between curiosity and internet addictive behaviours among 480 tertiary students in Ghana. Data were collected using Kashdan’s Curiosity Scale and Samaha’s Internet Addiction Test. The results revealed a 13.1% prevalence rate of internet addiction, with 73.1% classified as over-users. Only 29.4% exhibited high curiosity levels, while 35.6% had low curiosity. Structural equation modelling showed that deprivation sensitivity, covert social curiosity, overt social curiosity, stress tolerance, and thrill-seeking positively predicted various dimensions of internet addiction. Conversely, joyous exploration negatively predicted these behaviours. The curiosity composite positively predicted the overall internet addiction composite. The findings highlight curiosity’s complex role, where adaptive curiosity mitigates internet addiction risks, but maladaptive curiosity exacerbates such risks. Nurturing healthy curiosity while equipping students with self-regulation skills is crucial for promoting responsible internet use and preventing addictive behaviours. This study contributes insights into curiosity’s influence on youth mental health, informing prevention and intervention strategies within the context of higher education in Ghana.

Internet Addiction and Sleep Quality Among School Children in South India.

Today's internet is an unavoidable component of educational sources, the entertainment field, and telecommunication processes. Internet usage is more likely among adolescents and young adults in the form of surfing, chatting, playing games, and fulfilling their social needs. The present study has been planned to assess the effect of internet addiction (IA) on sleep quality in school children. This cross-sectional school-based study was conducted amongschool students in Pondicherry. A total of 350 school students of both genders studying in grades six to 10 and having access to at least one device with internet for more than one year were recruited from government and private schools located in five randomly selected communes in Pondicherry by convenient sampling method. Assessment of IA was done using Young's Internet Addiction Test (YIAT). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PQSI) questionnaire assessed the participants' sleep quality. All the data was tested for normality using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Chi-square and unpaired t-tests were used for analysis. The average age of the participants is 13 years. 49 (26.1%) are children and 139 (73.9%) are adolescents. The majority of them are females belonging to the adolescent age group(169, 89.4%). Around 17 (19.5%) children and 70 (80.5%)adolescents reported mild IA. Thirteen (59.1%)childrenand nine (40.9%)adolescents reported moderate IA. There is no significant difference in sleep quality between children and adolescents (4±2.33 vs. 3.62±2.61, p=0.37)but there is a considerable difference in their levels of IA(32.98±21.06 vs. 25.6±15.08, p=0.01). Conclusion: This study found a significant relationship between IA and poor sleep quality among adolescents. Thus, adolescents, parents, school authorities, and researchers should understand the importance of regulating internet usage and encouraging sleep hygiene. Thus, appropriate measures should be taken to address the effects of IA on sleep quality.

Does internet addiction affect the level of emotional intelligence among nursing students? A cross-sectional study

AimTo examine the effect of internet addiction on emotional intelligence among nursing students. Internet addiction, especially among nursing students, is an ongoing and urgent issue globally. Despite studies acknowledging its negative effects, the specific impact on the emotional intelligence of college students is not completely explored and needs more investigation.DesignA correlational cross-sectional descriptive study.MethodsParticipants included 180 nursing students from Mansoura University, Egypt. They completed the Socio-demographic sheet, Internet Addiction Test, and Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were conducted to analyze the data.ResultsNursing students experience a moderate level of internet addiction and a neutral level of emotional intelligence. A significant negative relationship was established between internet addiction among students and their emotional intelligence (r = − 0.53, p < 0.001) and its four facets: perception of emotion, managing own emotions, managing others’ emotions, and utilization of emotion. Regression analysis showed that internet addiction had a negative effect on emotional intelligence among nursing students (β = − 0.553, p < 0.001) and explained 30.5% of the variance of emotional intelligence among nursing students.ConclusionsThe study findings suggest that internet addiction negatively impacts the emotional intelligence of nursing students, which is crucial for effective interpersonal relations and professional competence in nursing.ImplicationsThe study underscores the need for educational programs to raise awareness about the hazards of excessive internet use and to promote activities that mitigate internet addiction.

Psychological Characteristics of Internet Addiction in Students in Problem Life Situations (COVID, War)

The relevance of this research lies in the fact that the number of Internet addicts in the world is constantly growing (the premise of which we consider the possibilities of Internet content that open up to a person in the virtual space), and the situation can turn into a public health problem. The purpose of the article is to carry out a theoretical analysis of the phenomenon of Internet addiction and, based on it, conduct an empirical study of Internet addiction of students, its connection with their personal traits and their satisfaction with life in difficult life situations: during the COVID-19 pandemic (n=88) and war (n=87). The research used the following methods: Internet Addiction Test (K. Young), CIAS, Chen-Internet-Addiction-Scale (S.-H. Cnen), Techniques for diagnosing predisposition to 13 types of addictions (G.V. Lozova), Test T. Leary, Questionnaire “Life Satisfaction Index” (B. Neugarten, R. Havighurst, Sh. Tobin), Oxford Happiness Inventory, OHI. Mathematical processing of research results was carried out using statistical package SPSS 17.0. The analysis of approaches to the understanding of Internet addiction by scientists leads to the conclusion that it is a behavioral deviation that manifests itself in a person’s excessive spending of time in the Internet space due to reluctance to return to real life; this is exactly information addiction. The main symptoms of Internet addiction: the tendency of an individual to choose being on the Internet before any other types of his activity; a change in his/her state of consciousness, a gradual increase in the time spent on the Internet, the lack of an objective assessment of the negative consequences of Internet addiction. As a result of the study, it was found that: Internet addiction can be combined with other types of addiction, Internet addicts are characterized by certain types of attitude towards others and a lack of feeling of satisfaction with life; Respondents who are less dependent on the Internet tend to positively evaluate themselves, be consistent in achieving their goals, fall into other addictions less often, and activate situationally necessary types of attitude towards others.