Internet Addiction Test Research Articles

Parent-Perceived Benefits and Harms Associated With Internet Use by Adolescent Offspring

Limited systematic information on familial factors and perception of the benefits and harms of internet use by youths is available. Much of the current research has been hampered by small nondiverse samples and limited information on key familial and offspring characteristics. To characterize parental perceptions and concerns about internet use associated with adolescent development, well-being, safety, family connectedness, and potential for problematic internet use. A 20-minute, English-language survey was developed with expert stakeholders using previously validated questionnaires and was conducted online between June 17 and July 5, 2022. Participants included 1005 parents of children and adolescents aged 9 to 15 years drawn from an online digital survey platform and calibrated for representation with post hoc weightings. Parent survey responses about family characteristics and internet use were used to compute Internet Addiction Test scores for parents and their offspring, Alabama Parenting Questionnaire scores, and an aggregate family connectedness score. The survey cohort of 1005 parents included 568 women (56.5%) and 437 men (43.5%) with a mean age (SD) of 39.5 (6.4) years. In terms of race and ethnicity, the most common categories included Black or African American (95 [9.5%]), Latinx or Hispanic (100 [10.0%]), White (602 [59.9%]), and 2 or more races or ethnicities (122 [12.1%]). Respondents endorsed parental concerns that included exposure to harmful content (646 [64.3%]) and online bullying (533 [53.0%]). Two hundred twenty-five parents (22.4%) had specific concerns about internet addiction in their adolescent offspring, and twice as many parents reported specific concerns about internet addiction than substance addiction. However, parents also indicated that internet use improved family connectedness among immediate families (468 [46.6%]) and extended families (568 [56.5%]). Internet Addiction Test scores in adolescent offspring were correlated with parent scores (β = 0.62 [SE = 0.02]; P < .001) and Alabama Parenting Questionnaire-Inconsistent Discipline scores (β = 0.23 [SE = 0.11]; P = .04). In this survey study of parent perceptions of internet use among adolescent offspring, parents believed the internet brought families closer yet also expressed concerns. Problematic internet use among youths was correlated with negative parenting styles and parent internet use. This research adds to the literature by suggesting that families, their communities, and industry may have common ground to collaborate on reducing the negative effects of internet use.

Mental health problems, perceived stress, and internet addiction among undergraduate college students of Kathmandu, Nepal

Introduction: The global burden of disease due to mental health problems is on a rise. One of the vulnerable groups are college going youths. The objective of the current study was to examine the frequency and pattern of mental health problems, perceived stress, and internet addiction and explore their relationship with each other among students reporting voluntarily during stress management program. Material and method: A cross-sectional study among 139 undergraduate students was conducted as a part of a program titled "Stress, drugs and internet among college students" during orientation program for undergraduate students of a management college in Kathmandu Valley. Mental Health Screening Questionnaire (MHS), Young's Internet addiction test (YIAT), perceived stress scale (PSS) were used for mental health problems, internet addiction and stress respectively. Results: As per mental health screening questionnaire, 64.7% (90/139) and 7.2% (10/139) participants reported somewhat difficulty and very much or extreme difficulty. There was mild internet addiction among 45.3% and moderate internet addiction among 18.7%. There was significant positive correlation of the MHS score (indicative of number of mental health problems) with the total YIAT score (ρ= 0.404, p&lt; 0.01) and PSS scores (ρ= 0.301, p&lt; 0.01). Also, severity of internet addiction and perceived stress levels were positively associated with each other (ρ= 0.303, p&lt; 0.01). Conclusion: There is significant burden of mental health problems, stress and problematic internet use among the undergraduate students in Nepal. There is also a significant positive correlation of the MHS score (indicative of number of mental health problems) with the Young’s internet addiction test score and perceived stress scale scores.

Hikikomori (Severe Social Withdrawal) in Italian Adolescents: Clinical Features and Follow-Up.

Severe social withdrawal, including staying alone in one's bedroom, non-attendance at school or work, and minimal or absent social contacts, sometimes only through electronic devices, can be found in several psychiatric disorders, or in a 'primary' form, firstly defined in Japan as 'Hikikomori'. The distinction between primary and secondary forms is questionable, as it prevalently depends on the quality of psychiatric assessment. To date, few studies specifically explored Hikikomori in an adolescent population outside Japan. The aim of the present study is to describe clinical features of a consecutive group of 80 referred youth (13 to 18 years, 57 males) with social isolation, of which 40 were followed up on for 4-6 months, to characterize clinical features and outcome. All the participants presented psychiatric comorbid disorders, prevalently anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and autism spectrum disorder. Suicidality (ideation and behavior) was reported in 32.5% of the participants, and 20% of the participants attempted suicide. More than half of the participants exceeded the cut-off of the Internet Addiction Test, and 42.4% met the criteria for the Internet Gaming Disorder. At the follow-up appointment, an improvement of social withdrawal was reported in 75% of the sample; 67.5% of the participants significantly improved according to the CGI-improvement scale; and 55% of the participants had an improvement of functioning according to the C-GAS. Our findings suggest that Hikikomori is a transnosographic entity, with high rates of suicidality and Internet addiction, and that can it improve when it is timely diagnosed and treated.

Treating internet use disorders via the internet? Results of a two-armed randomized controlled trial

AbstractBackground and aimsInternet Use Disorders (IUDs) are emerging as a societal challenge. Evidence-based treatment options are scarce. Digital health interventions may be promising to deliver psychological treatment to individuals with IUDs directly in their online setting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a digital health intervention for IUDs compared to a waitlist control group (WCG).MethodsIn a two-armed randomized controlled trial, N = 130 individuals showing IUDs (Internet Addiction Test; IAT ≥49) were randomly allocated to the intervention group (IG; n = 65) or WCG (n = 65). The intervention consisted of 7 sessions based on cognitive behavioral therapy. The primary outcome was IUD symptom severity measured via the IAT at post treatment 7 weeks after randomization. Secondary outcomes included IUD symptoms (Compulsive Internet Use Scale; CIUS), quality of life, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and other psychosocial variables associated with IUDs.ResultsParticipants were on average 28.45 years old (SD = 10.59) and 50% identified as women, 49% as men, and 1% as non-binary. The IG (n = 65) showed significantly less IUD symptom severity (IAT) (d = 0.54, 95% CI 0.19–0.89) and symptoms (d = 0.57, 95% CI 0.22–0.92) than the WCG (n = 65) at post-treatment. Study attrition was 20%. Effects on all other secondary outcomes were not significant. On average, participants completed 67.5% of the intervention.Discussion and ConclusionsA digital health intervention could be a promising first step to reduce IUD symptom severity.

Internet addiction and associated factors among undergraduate students of Jimma University; Jimma, South West Ethiopia, institutional based cross-sectional study

BackgroundInternet addiction affects cognitive function, has a harmful impact on students’ academic performance, and increases their risk of experiencing psychological crises.ObjectivesExamining the prevalence of internet addiction and its contributing factors among regular undergraduate students at Jimma University in south-west Ethiopia.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among study participants between August 1 and August 30, 2021. A total of 772 Participants were involved in the study using a multistage random sampling technique. Data was collected using pretested and structured questionnaires with self-administered techniques. The Young Internet Addiction Test (YIAT) was used to measure internet addiction. The data was entered into the computer using Epi Data version 4.6, and then it was exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 for analysis. The association between each independent variable and the outcome variable was examined using bivariate analysis. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 in bivariate analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression model to determine how each independent variable affected the outcome variable.ResultThe prevalence of internet addiction among study participants was 53.6% (95% Confidence Interval (CI)) (49.99%, 57.15%). Findings from multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested a variety of related factors had significant associations with internet addiction. Being dissatisfied with a major study, having a cumulative grade point average of a promoted grade report, using the internet for entertainment, using the internet for Facebook, using the internet for telegram, depression, social anxiety, and poor social support.ConclusionThis study revealed a comparatively high frequency of internet addiction among study participants. Internet addiction has been linked to psychosocial, academic, and purpose-related aspects of internet use. As a result, incorporating stakeholders’ efforts to improve the identified variables would be a helpful start toward lowering this high incidence.

Evolution of screen use among youth between 2012 and 2020 in Switzerland

AimTo compare the evolution of screen and Internet use by youths between 2012 and 2020 in Switzerland. MethodsCross-sectional studies of 10th-graders (age 13–14) were performed in Switzerland in 2012 and 2020, and compared in bivariate and multivariate analyses on sociodemographic, schooling, physical activity, emotional well-being, and screen use variables. ResultsWe found that screen use had shifted to smartphones with 71.7 % of youths primarily using this device in 2020 compared to 23.2 % in 2012. In association with this change, young people's screen time had increased dramatically with an odds ratio (OR) of 11.90 for adolescents spending more than 4 h in front of screens in 2020 compared to 2012. No changes were found in the score on the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) to detect problematic screen use and for adolescents’ emotional well-being. Furthermore, youths in 2020 engaged in less physical activity lasting 60 min daily, but the frequency of their extracurricular sport participation remained unchanged. ConclusionsYoung people spend more time on screens, especially because of an increase in smartphone use in 2020. However, youths do not seem to show more problematic behaviors regarding screen use, nor has this development affected their emotional well-being. The daily and continuous use of new devices is now an integral part of young people's lives. This process seems to be part of the growth of the digital world. However, Internet and screen addiction scales should be adapted to ensure that adolescents in need of help and counseling are identified.

Adaptation, translation and validation of Internet Addiction Test (IAT)-Sinhalese version to detect internet addiction disorder among 15-19-year-old adolescents in Colombo District, Sri Lanka

Introduction: The earth has been conceptually changed by the internet into a town of high-dimensional information networks. The internet has greatly enhanced many elements of people's lives and has integrated seamlessly into daily life. Internet addiction disorder is becoming a potentially troublesome condition that coexists with behavioural issues that are already present, particularly in adolescents.Objectives: To adapt, translate and validate a tool for detecting internet addiction disorder in adolescents aged 15-19 years in Colombo District, Sri LankaMethods: A cross-sectional validation study was conducted in which the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was adapted, translated and validated into Sinhalese language (IAT-Sinhalese version). Statistical analysis was carried out with a sample size of 228 to test the construct validity using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). A total of 239 study participants were selected as the sample to test for Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Using LISREL 8.8, the statistical analysis was completed. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability methods were used to evaluate the reliability.Results: IAT-Sinhalese version demonstrated a four-factor model consisting of 20 items with the model indices of RMSEA of 0.06, CFI of 0.93, NNFI of 0.91, SRMR of 0.063 and GFI of 0.77. It had an acceptable internal consistency with Cronbach Alpha value of 0.782.Conclusions &amp; Recommendations: IAT-Sinhalese version is a valid and reliable instrument to detect internet addiction disorder among 15-19-year-old adolescents in Sri Lanka.

Internet addiction disorder and its associated factors among 15-19-Year adolescents in Colombo District, Sri Lanka

Internet addiction disorder (IAD) is growing as a potentially problematic condition parallel to existing behavioral disorders, especially among adolescents. Nonetheless, the condition is widespread and problematic, limited scientific evidence is available on the prevalence, diagnosis, risk factors, prevention, and efficacy of the treatment globally as well as locally. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of Internet addiction disorder among 15-19-year-old adolescents in Colombo district, Sri Lanka. Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was adapted, translated, and validated for this study. A school-based descriptive crosssectional study was conducted among 1,351 school-going adolescents using the multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method. A self-administered questionnaire was used for the data collection and the data analysis was done using the SPSS- 21 version. Initial bivariate analysis was followed up with Multivariate Logistic Regression analysis to determine the associated factors of Internet addiction disorder. The prevalence of Internet addiction disorder among adolescents was 17.2% (95% Confidence Interval, CI: 15.2-19.3). Sex (Adjusted Odds Ratio, AOR=2.27; 95% CI: 1.27-4.07), excessive use of social media (AOR=4.32; 95% CI: 2.12-8.80), lack of engagement in outdoor sports (AOR=5.4;95%CI:2.49-11.73), unemployed mother (AOR=2.06;95% CI:1.40-3.04), excessive engagement of internet gaming (AOR=1.94; 95% CI: 1.34-2.82), excessive internet usage time per day for nonacademic activities (AOR=2.59; 95% CI: 1.71-3.91), higher duration of internet use in years (AOR=2.64; 95% CI:1.80-3.85), and no excessive internet use by the parents (AOR=0.46; 95%CI:0.30-0.70) were the statistically significant associated factors. The prevalence of Internet addiction disorder among adolescents was within the range. The findings will aid the policymakers and administrators in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of Internet addiction disorder among this age group of adolescents.

Sex and national differences in internet addiction in Egypt and Saudi Arabia

BackgroundUnderstanding individual differences in psychology, and how they relate to specific addictions, may allow society to better identify those at most risk and even enact policies to ameliorate them. Internet addiction is a growing health concern, a research focus of which is to understand individual differences and the psychology of those most susceptible to developing it. Western countries are strongly overrepresented in this regard. MethodHere, sex and national differences in internet addiction are measured, using Young's ‘Internet Addiction Test,’ in two non-Western countries, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. >800 students aged 18 and 35 years (M = 20.65, SD = 1.48) completed a multidimensional internet addiction instrument. The instrument measures traits such as Withdrawal and Social Problems, Time Management and Performance and Reality Substitute. ResultsAnalyses revealed that males scored higher than females and Saudis higher than Egyptians on nearly all scales, including the total score. Factor analysis of the 20-item instrument revealed three factors, all exhibiting sex and culture differences. ConclusionsThese findings add to the body of evidence that males are higher than females in problematic internet use, as they are in addictive behaviors in general. Our findings may also imply that restrictions on male-female interaction, which are more pronounced in Saudi Arabia, may elevate the prevalence of internet addiction. The internet is also easier and cheaper to access in Saudi Arabia than in Egypt.

A retrospective study of life skills promotes healthy Internet use among adolescents

ABSTRACT Background: Since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, studies highlight the augmentation in the use of Internet and smartphone, especially among the adolescents. However, little is known about the effect of technology addiction on adolescent mental health following reopening of the schools. Aim: The study aims to assess the level of technology addiction, life skills, and mental health impact among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic in India Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional research was conducted from July 2021 to October 2022. A nonprobability convenience sampling was used to collect the data from 352 adolescents using an Internet addiction test, smartphone addiction scale, life skills scale, and patient health questionnaire. Results: More than half of the adolescents were moderately addicted to the Internet and Smartphone. Three-fourth of the adolescents had mild-to-moderate depression. Those with moderate life skills were found to be moderately addicted to the Internet and Smartphone. Religion was found to be associated with Internet addiction. Age, religion, and parental monthly income were significantly associated with smartphone addiction among adolescents. Furthermore, class and life skills were significantly associated with depression among adolescents. Conclusion: Early-life skills training can help to prevent dysfunctional Internet use and mental and psychological problems among adolescents in schools and colleges.

Interpersonal Support and Social Reflection are the Solution to Internet Addiction: Empirical Evidence

The use of the internet has become one of the most leisurely activities among young adults all around the world. Growing worries over the extensive student internet usage have prompted heightened research into the determinants of internet addiction and its adverse outcomes. The existing research examined the relationships among interpersonal social support, self-reflection, social anxiety, and internet addiction in young adults. A correlation research design was used in this study. The Interpersonal Support Evaluation, Self-Reflection and Insight Scale, Social Interaction Phobia Scale, and Internet Addiction Test were used to collect data from 150 young adults having an age range 18 to 27 years. The study's results indicated a positive likelihood of a relationship between interpersonal social support and self-reflection. Conversely, an inverse correlation emerged in relation to social anxiety and internet addiction. Regression analysis unveiled interpersonal social support as an inverse predictor, while the duration of internet use in young adults positively predicted internet addiction. Moreover, no significant mean differences were found in interpersonal social support, self-reflection, social anxiety, and internet addiction between male and female young adults. The mediation models demonstrated noteworthy model fit indices and illustrated the mediation of the social anxiety-internet addiction relationship. Additionally, demographic variables (daily internet usage duration and purpose) exerted an influence on the association. The study would be helpful for the parents, institutional counselors, and teachers. if young adults are provided with interpersonal social support from their significant others, then they will not seek it in a virtual medium such as the internet.

중·고등학생의 인터넷 사용이 학습태도에 미치는 영향

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of middle and high school students' Internet use on their learning attitude. In addition, this study tried to verify the extent to which Internet use affects learning attitude through the medium of self-control. Through this analysis and verification, it provides basic data to devise a plan to lead middle and high school students normally and correctly in their home and society surrounding them, centering on their school life, and to improve their use of the Internet at school, where they have to spend a long time. Its purpose is to create a research culture to develop programs that can be used safely.&#x0D; Method: This study was conducted on 316 students attending middle and high schools nationwide in February 2023. Among them, 1st year middle school students were excluded, and 2nd year middle school to 3rd year high school students were set. Respondents were 158 males and females, and the percentage of high school students was 40% (126) of middle school students and 60% (190) of high school students. They were surveyed using internet addiction test, self-control test, and learning attitude test questionnaire, and analyzed with a structural equation model based on the results obtained through a professional consulting agency.&#x0D; Results: All correlations between subvariables of latent variables, which are the main variables set in this study, were found to be significant. However, the finding that Internet use was not directly significant in learning attitude has its own reasons and significance. This is partly because there were more students in the upper middle than in the lower when the academic level of the students in the survey was divided into upper, middle and lower, and it was confirmed that the learning attitude itself did not change in a short period of time or was an acceptable part. On the other hand, when self-control was mediated, Internet use had a significant effect on learning attitude.&#x0D; Conclusion: In this study, middle and high school students' Internet use did not directly affect their learning attitude, but it was confirmed that when their self-control increased, it had a positive effect on their learning attitude. This is because middle and high school students' Internet use may not directly affect their learning attitude, but it can have a significant effect when other variables, such as self-control, are mediated. Administrative authorities' countermeasures, the development of educational programs acceptable to schools, and the creation of a curriculum and feasible conditions for improving self-control will be needed.

The Development of a Short Version of the Internet Addiction Test: The IAT-7

AbstractUsing a valid and reliable scale to measure problems associated with excessive internet use is a key element of research on internet addiction (IA). The main goal of the current study was to develop a brief version of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the most widely used measure for assessing IA. In Study 1 (N = 463), we combined strict analytic techniques for item reduction with an evaluation of item content, and we compared several CFA and ESEM Models. In Study 2 (N = 374), we applied a Latent Variable Model (LMV) to examine the associations between our proposed short scale and some related variables. Our findings suggested a 7-item version (named IAT-7), with an ESEM structure and two domain-specific factors (F1: Interpersonal, Emotional and Obsessive Conflict; F2: Online Time Management). The IAT-7 showed excellent fit-indices [χ2 = 13.373; df = 8; CFI = .994; TLI = .983; RMSEA = .030 (.000–.073); SRMR = .016; AIC = 9,276.944; BIC = 9,388.662; aBIC = 9,302.971] and an adequate level of internal consistency (alpha and omega &gt; .752). Interpersonal, Emotional and Obsessive Conflict mainly predicted loneliness and depression, whereas Online Time Management was primarily associated with stress, followed by depression. The IAT-7 shows promising psychometric properties and could be used as a screening tool for evaluating IA. Its small number of items makes it more attractive when a large battery of assessment scales is used.

Effects of internet addiction scores on informational search by undergraduate students

The study examined the relationship between internet addiction and university students’ use of a network to gain information. Two hundred undergraduate students (aged 18–21 years) were recruited from Science, Social Science, and Arts faculties. They each had 30 min to browse one of two network architectures: a simple hierarchal structure, or a complex relational structure. After the session, they took a test on the content of the network, completed the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and were asked about their time spent on the internet. There was no effect of university faculty (subject) on any of the results. More pages were revisited using the hierarchical than the relational network structure. However, there were interactions between levels of internet addiction (IAT score) and the type of network. Participants who had lower IAT scores, exposed to hierarchical network, visited a greater proportion of pages, revisited fewer pages, and achieved higher test scores, than lower IAT scorers exposed to the relational network. However, participants with higher IAT scores showed little difference in performance between the networks. There was little impact of IAT score on performance on hierarchical networks, but performance on relational networks improved as IAT scores increased. These data suggest that simple hierarchical networks are better for those with lower internet addiction (as measured by low IAT scores), but there is little difference in network for those with higher internet addiction (higher IAT scores).

Digital Dependency: How Parenting and Social Intelligence Shape Internet Addiction.

The global pandemic forced young adults and their parents to be together. This situation has equally exposed the weaknesses in the child-parent relationship. This study aimed to investigate the role of social intelligence in the relationship between parenting style and Internet addiction during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Seven hundred and seventy-four were sampled from a public university in southeast Nigeria. They comprised 373 females and 401 males aged 17-28 years, with a mean age of 21.61. The students responded to validated measures of parenting style inventory-II, the Tromsø social intelligence scale, and Young's Internet addiction test. The moderated multiple regression analysis results indicated that permissive parenting and social intelligence significantly predicted Internet addiction. Social intelligence moderated the relationship between authoritarian parenting style and Internet addiction. The moderation was that Internet addiction is significantly higher for individuals with low social intelligence and authoritarian parenting style than individuals with low social intelligence and higher authoritarian parenting style. Some implications of the findings include engaging parenting styles to encourage more physical interactions and enabling an environment for growth. Also, adopting techniques to increase social intelligence will help students adjust to any parenting style that may influence their psychological well-being.

The associations between family characteristics and problematic Internet use among adolescents in Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT The current study assessed the family correlates of problematic Internet use (PIU) in a nationally representative sample of Saudi adolescents. Students (grades: 7–12; N = 2,546) from three cities in Saudi Arabia (random selection of schools) filled out a survey on Young’s Internet Addiction Test (YIAT) and family characteristics (e.g. parents’ socioeconomic status [SES], family harmony, family members’ Internet use, and parental Internet controls). A multilevel log-binomial regression assessed family correlates of PIU (YIAT ≥40). The mean (SD) age was 15.6 (±1.8) years; 54% were girls; PIU prevalence was 41.8%. A poor SES (OR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.0, 1.4), low family harmony (bottom quartile OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.2, 1.7), no parental restriction/supervision (OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.2, 1.8), and heavy Internet use by siblings (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1, 1.5) were significantly associated with PIU. Certain identified family risk factors are amenable to interventions given the high PIU prevalence among Saudi adolescents.

Transformation of internet addiction on the background of social isolation and security crisis

Aim — based on the analysis of the characteristics of Internet addiction, identify its peculiarities on the background of social isolation and security crisis. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on a contingent of 120 respondents (students of higher education) aged 18 to 23, who have experience of permanent stay in conditions of social isolation in Ukraine (2020—2023), with established Internet-addiction according to Internet Addiction Test (K. Young, 1998) and Internet Use Disorders Identification Test (Linskiy I. V., Minko A. I., Artemchuk A. P. et al., 2009). The distribution of the contingent by gender was symmetrical. The research method is a structured psychological interview. Study results. In our analysis, it becomes evident that the excessive utilization of the Internet does not merely align with a series of non-chemical addictions; rather, it operates as a facilitative mechanism for a broad range of behavioral and psychological transgressions, which arise as an interconnected functional entity. Within this multifaceted spectrum, we discern two discrete categories: the formation of compulsive behavior patterns and the justification of pre-existing behavior abnormalities. Compulsive behavior patterns include compulsive gaming and gambling behavior, compulsive social media use, compulsive pornography consumption, news-related compulsive behavior. Formation of compulsive behavior patterns associated with problematic excessive use of Internet have such mechanisms: openness and accessibility of hyper-stimulating content, reinforcement and rewards with feedback loops, social comparison, escapism and avoidance, information overload. Justification of pre-existing behavior abnormalities associated with problematic excessive use of Internet include reinforcement of attention-seeking and provocative behaviors; reinforcement of rude and violent behaviors, reinforcement of self-harm and destructive behaviors, progressive reinforcement of deviant sexuality, reinforcement of cult-like behavior. Noticed underlying mechanisms: echo chambers, disinhibition due to anonymity, group polarization and competitive dynamics. Conclusions. Behavioral and psychological disorders linked to problematic excessive Internet use do not fit neatly into a singular pathological disorder classification within current assessment frameworks that may trivialize Internet addiction as a mere form of non-chemical addiction. Instead, in the contemporary context, it is imperative to examine and thoroughly evaluate the intricate array of behavioral and psychological disorders that manifest through Internet usage. Key words: Internet, addiction, Internet addiction, compulsions, behavior violations

Internet Addiction and Sleep Disorders among Medical Students.

Considering the increasing use of the Internet in Iranian society, especially among students, and the importance of sleep quality, the present study investigated the relationship between sleep quality and Internet addiction among medical students in Shiraz. In this descriptive-analytical study, the sample included students of the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences who were selected by a multistage sampling method in 2018. Each faculty was considered to be stratified, and the samples were selected from all strata by simple random sampling. A total of 400 student questionnaires were eligible for analysis. The level of sleep disturbance was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was used to evaluate Internet addiction. Cronbach's alpha for PSQI and IAT was 0.77 and 0.93, respectively. 109 (%28.9) and 58 (%14.4) of all the people under study were at risk of Internet addiction or poor sleep quality, respectively. The highest percentage of poor sleep quality was in those who were addicted to the Internet (60%), but the lowest percentage was observed in the group without addiction (27%). In addition, there was a significant correlation between Internet addiction and subjective sleep quality (r = 0.191, p = 0.05), sleep latency (r = 0.129, p = 0.01), sleep duration (r = 0.119, p = 0.01), habitual sleep efficiency (r = 0.186, p = 0.05), sleep disturbances (r = 0.169, p = 0.01), use of sleeping medication (r = 0.203, p = 0.05), and daytime dysfunction (r = 0.188, p = 0.05). These findings help national health officials and planners in Iran to design appropriate and effective interventions to improve students' health and prevent Internet addiction.

Trait-level non-clinical ADHD symptoms in a community sample and their association with technology addictions

An increasing number of studies have reported the existence of ADHD symptoms to be risk factors for technology addictions among young adults. In contrast to previous studies, the aim of the present study was to examine different dimensions of technology addiction in a community sample of adults and to examine their association with the individual trait-level ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. A community sample of one hundred and fifty adults were recruited to participate in this study via convenience sampling. Participants completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Symptom Checklist, the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, the Smartphone Addiction Scale, Young’s Internet Addiction Test, the Compulsive Online Shopping Scale, and a Demographic Information Form. Composite ADHD score, inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity were positively associated with technology addictions (internet, social media, smartphone, and online shopping addiction). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity were predictors of social media addiction and smartphone addiction, whereas they were not for online shopping addiction. Furthermore, inattention was the only predictor of internet addiction. People with non-clinical, trait-level ADHD, especially those showing a preponderance of inattention symptoms appear to be more vulnerable to developing some forms of technology addiction.

A cross sectional study to assess prevalence of internet addiction and its relationship with personality traits and associated psychiatric conditions in undergraduate medical students of an Indian university

Background: In India, 622 million internet users were found out of which our nationally representative data suggest that about 20% to 40% of college students in India are at risk for internet addiction (IA). Therefore, the research on its addiction is on the rise and is an established concern. Objectives: To study the prevalence of internet addiction in undergraduate medical graduates associating its impact, on personality traits and psychiatric conditions like depression, anxiety and stress. Methods: It is a cross sectional study based on undergraduate medical students of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha. It is a convenience based sampling method and a Krejcie-Morgan Formula is used. Using this, the sample size came out to be 300. Clearance from the ethics committee will be obtained. An informed consent from the students will be taken, thereafter they will be asked to fill socio demographic data and then will be subjected to the following questionnaires: 1)Young’s Internet addiction test 2) DASS 21 3)Brief Big Five inventory scale Results: We will be able to determine the prevalence of internet addiction among medical students after we have the results from the aforementioned questionnaires, their personality traits and development of psychiatric co- morbidities like depression, anxiety and stress. Conclusions: We’ll be able to know the prevalence of internet addiction in medical students, their personality traits and the development of psychiatric co- morbidities like depression, anxiety and stress.