Internet Use Research Articles

Abusive Supervision as Predictor of Perceived Stress and Cyberloafing at Work

The increasing prevalence of Internet use in the recent years has led to a growing interest among researchers on cyberloafing behaviors. In general, cyberloafing at work is defined as the employees’ voluntary usage of the Internet for personal purposes. The previous research has shown its link with individual and organizational outcomes. This study in particular examines the effects of abusive supervision and perceived stress on cyberloafing behaviors among employees. In addition, it investigates whether perceived stress mediates this relationship. The sample consisted of 265 employees working at various sectors. They participated in an online survey, and filled out a questionnaire consisting of items that assess abusive supervision, perceived stress and cyberloafing behaviors at workplace. The results showed that abusive supervision positively predicts employees' cyberloafing behaviors It was also revealed that supervisor’s abusive behaviors predict greater levels of perceived stress among employees. However, the experience of stress did not play a mediating role in the relationship between abusive supervision and cyberloafing. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effects of leaders’ misbehaviors on employees’ psychological well-being and counterproductive behaviors at work. It also provides suggestions for managing with workplace mistreatment.

Internet usage, access, and supervision among Ghanaian children: a cross-sectional study

Children’s access to and usage of the Internet has numerous benefits. However, their Internet access and use may pose risks to them, including cyberbullying, grooming, sexting, and exposure to dangerous materials. These risks may be exacerbated by inadequate supervision of children’s online activities. Therefore, this study examined the prevalence of Internet use, Internet access, and Internet use supervision among children aged 8–17 in Ghana. This study used secondary quantitative and qualitative data from the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used to analyze the quantitative data. In contrast, the qualitative data was analyzed using the constant comparison method with the aid of NVivo software version 10. The results showed that 90.5% of children had ever used the Internet. Smartphones (45.7), café facilities (21.7), and laptops/computers (21.6) were the most popular sources of Internet access. More than half of children (56.7) indicated they received little or no supervision when using their smartphones to access the Internet, which could lead to engagement in fraudulent activities, exposure to violent scenes online, and Internet addiction. The study found that most children had never used the Internet and received little or no supervision when accessing the Internet. It is, therefore, recommended that children need to be educated on the benefits and potential risks of excessive Internet use. Also, parents need to supervise and monitor their children’s Internet usage at home.

Emotional and Behavioural Problems in Spanish University Students: Association with Lifestyle Habits and Mental Well-Being.

Emotional health represents a significant burden on the mental health of university students. Adapting to a new learning environment and facing increased academic pressure make this period particularly vulnerable for their emotional health and well-being. The objective of the study was to analyse the prevalence of emotional and behavioural problems in university students and their association with lifestyle habits, and mental and physical health indicators. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 1268 students (23.65 ± 7.84 years) from a university in northern Spain during November 2020 and March 2021. An online questionnaire was administered, comprising the self-report Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire, the Trait Meta-Mood Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, the SENTIA-Brief Scale, the KIDMED questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and the Compulsive Internet Use Scale. 27.60% of students exhibited some form of emotional and behavioural problem. Students who did not present emotional and behavioural problems showed lower perceived stress, reduced suicidal behaviour and emotional intelligence deficits, as well as lower alcohol consumption and compulsive internet use (p < 0.001). Additionally, they reported higher engagement in physical activity and greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p < 0.001). The study shows that emotional and behavioural problems are recurring among university students, and given that modifiable psychosocial and lifestyle factors are associated with these issues, it underscores the need to develop multidisciplinary intervention strategies.

The Interplay Between Problematic Internet Use, Anxiety, Depression and Functional Impairment in Front-Line Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

We aimed to assess the interplay between functional impairment and anxiety, depression, and problematic Internet use levels in front-line healthcare workers who work in inpatient clinics of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) were administered to assess the depression, anxiety, problematic Internet use, and functional impairment levels of the participants. Two hundred thirteen participants were enrolled in the present study. Medical doctors showed significantly higher scores of IAT than the nurses and other medical staff (Kruskal-Wallis=6.519, p=0.038). Levels of SDS total are significantly correlated with scores of IAT (r=0.257, p<0.001), BDI (r=0.383, p<0.001), and BAI (r=0.308, p<0.001). All subdomain scores of SDS (social, family, work) and total scores of SDS were significantly and positively correlated with BAI, BDI, and IAT scores (p<0.05). In the separation mediation analysis, problematic Internet use partially mediated the relationship between anxiety-depression and global functional impairment. Health politicians should produce policies to develop strategies for coping with consequences of anxiety and depression in healthcare professionals during any health crisis. In addition, we should raise healthcare professionals' awareness that problematic Internet use is not suitable for dealing with anxiety and depression and may even lead to increase of functional loss.

Examining the interplay between physical activity, problematic internet use and the negative emotional state of depression, anxiety and stress: insights from a moderated mediation path model in university students

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Problematic Internet Use (PIU), emotional states of stress, anxiety and depression, and the practice of physical activity among Tunisian students.MethodsCross-sectional data were collected from 976 university students aged 20.76 ± 1.63 years (46.8% female). They filled out an online survey comprised of a socio-demographic questionnaire, the depression, anxiety and stress scale– 21 items (DASS-21), the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) and the compulsive internet use scale (CIUS). Students were divided, based on their economic levels, into three groups: low (n = 256, 26.23%), medium (n = 523, 53.59%) and high (n = 197, 20.18%).ResultsMediation analysis: Indirect effects of IPAQ and gender on DASS-21 were highlighted: β= -0.18 (p < 0.01) and β= -0.04, P < 0.01) respectively. In addition, a significant and negative effect of IPAQ on CIUS was demonstrated (β = -0.45, P < 0.01). In addition, the effect of CIUS on DASS-21 was significant (β = 0.39, P < 0.01). Also, the effect of gender on CIUS was significant (β=-0.10, P < 0.01) However, its effect on DASS-21 was not significant (β = 0.05, p = 0.078). The total effect of IPAQ on DASS21 was significant (β= -0.52, p < 0.01) but the effect of Gender on DASS-21 was not significant (β = 0.01, p = 0.817). Moderation analysis: the results showed a significant moderation effect of the interaction between IPAQ and Gender on CIUS (β = 0.07, p < 0.01). However, it was not significant between Gender and CIUS on DASS-21 (β = 0.09, p = 0.390) and between IPAQ and Gender on DASS21 (β = 0.01, p = 0.736) Also, the interaction between IPAQ and CIUS did not have a significant moderation effect on DASS-21 (β = 0.15, p = 0.115).ConclusionsFindings suggest that relationships between PIU and negative emotional state of depression, anxiety and stress are mediated via physical exercise. These results underscore the importance of the physical activity factor in the studies analyzing longitudinal effects of PIU on mental health outcomes.

Gain or Loss? The Internet Use among Generation Z and its Impact on Their Academic Achievement

Gain or Loss? The Internet Use among Generation Z and its Impact on Their Academic Achievement

Survey on health literacy and related factors among firefighters of emergency management departments in Southwest China

ObjectiveAlthough health literacy (HL) has emerged as a critical public health concern, research on HL in emergency management departments is limited. This study aimed to investigate the awareness of HL and associated factors among firefighters of emergency management departments in southwest China to provide a basis for carrying out targeted health education.MethodsA cross-sectional convenience sample of 1,742 firefighters from an emergency management department in southwestern China was surveyed from February to April 2023 using the Chinese Citizen’s Health Literacy Questionnaire (2019 version). The chi-square test, linear trend chi-square test, Fisher’s test, rank sum test, and multifactorial logistic regression model were used to identify influential factors associated with HL.ResultsThe HL level of the 1742 respondents was 34.3%. Age, ethnicity, education level, length of service, type of job, smoking status, types of parental jobs, annual household income, time of daily internet use, etc. (P < 0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis indicate that type of job (OR = 0.648, 95%CI:0.426–0.985), length of service (OR = 0.496, 95%CI:0.251–0.981), household income (OR = 1.900, 95%CI:1.443–2.502), daily internet usage time (OR = 0.726, 95%Cl:0.588–0.896), health status (OR = 0.750, 95%Cl:0.585–0.962) and frequency of organizing HL sessions (OR = 1.603, 95%Cl:1.101–2.330) were influencing factors affecting the HL of the officers and soldiers.ConclusionThe health literacy level of firefighters in the Emergency Management Department in Southwest China was 34.3%. Lower levels were found in the health-related skills dimension (HRS, 30.1%) and in infectious disease control (ID, 30.7%). Health information literacy (HI, 34.3%) was lower than the national level. The type of urban and rural areas, literacy level, and household income level may be the factors affecting the level of health literacy among the respondents. Therefore, health education and promotion interventions should target high priority dimensions (HRS, HI, and ID) and should focus on strengthening health literacy levels of firefighters with rural types, low education levels, and low household income to improve their health.

Gendering digital labor: work and family digital communication across 29 countries

ABSTRACT With rapid digitalization, people increasingly use information and communication technologies (ICTs). Analyzing European Social Survey data across 29 countries, we address an under-researched question: how is the labor of using ICTs for digital communication gendered across the domains of work and family? Using latent profile analysis, we identify five profiles of work-family digital communication – dual-medium (most prevalent), dual-low, high work-only, dual-high, and high family-only (least prevalent) – with notable gender differences. Women are less likely than men to have high work-only but are more likely to have high family-only and dual-high work-family digital communication. Multilevel models reveal that among those with better digital literacy and those who work from home more often, there are wider gender gaps whereby women are more likely than men to juggle dual-medium work-family digital communication. In countries where people use the internet more intensely, women are more likely than men to specialize in family-only and juggle dual-high work-family digital communication. As digital literacy, working from home, and internet use intensity increase further, women may disproportionately take on family-related digital communication and also suffer from a ‘digital double burden’ in work-family life. Our findings highlight new forms of gender inequality in the division of labor in the digital era.

India's Transition to a Cashless Economy

Cash contribution to the Indian economy has been significant throughout the country's history in a variety of industries, including banking, e-commerce, consumer durables, biotechnology, automobiles, cement, and associated industries. But now is the moment to integrate the concept of "cashless" into all of these industries, which facilitates quicker, simpler, and more effective commerce. The efforts seek to boost the use of digital technology across a number of industries, including healthcare, education, and agriculture, as well as to foster an atmosphere that will support start-ups. The expansion of the digital ecosystem has been significantly aided by the rise in internet and smartphone use in India. Overall, the move towards a cashless economy in India promises enhanced financial inclusion, reduced corruption, and increased tax revenue. Government efforts and societal support indicate a promising trajectory towards a digitally empowered India.

Association of maladaptive daydreaming with behavioral addiction

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a proposed syndrome characterized by extensive, immersive daydreaming. Case reports have suggested an association of MD with behavioral addictions such as excessive internet use, online gaming, and compulsive sexual behaviors. The aim of this study was to investigate maladaptive daydreaming and behavioral addiction symptoms among young adults. An online questionnaire was administered to 293 volunteer medical students. Participants were assessed by applying the 16-item Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS-16), Addictive Behavior Burden Form, and Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Participants were divided into two groups: probable MD (MDers) and non-MDers, according to MDS-16. Age and gender did not significantly differ between the MD and non-MD groups. MDers had more severe symptoms associated with gaming addiction (p = 0.03; U = 4941), problematic social media use (p = 0.01; U = 4680), food addiction (p = 0.01; U = 4965), sex/pornography addiction (p = 0.01; U = 4787), and compulsive buying (p = 0.03; U = 4874) than non-MDers. Among the behavioral addiction dimensions assessed in the study, only gaming addiction was a significant statistical predictor of MD. These findings highlight a significant association between MD and behavioral addictions, particularly gaming addiction, in young adults. Furthermore, the findings of this study suggest a unique relationship between gaming addiction and MD.

Review on IoT-Driven Infusion Monitoring &amp; Management System

Effective intravenous (IV) infusion management and monitoring are essential in today's healthcare environment to guarantee patient safety and improve the standard of care. In order to overcome the drawbacks of conventional IV drip monitoring techniques, this study describes the creation of a contactless, Internet of Things-driven infusion monitoring and management system. With the use of cutting-edge sensor technology and Internet of Things connection, the suggested system combines real-time IV drip liquid level monitoring and control, delivering precise and ongoing updates. Healthcare practitioners may now monitor and analyse patient data remotely thanks to the gathered data's constant updating and transmission to the Think Speak cloud platform. With its combination of real- time data collecting, cloud-based analytics, and emergency alert features, the proposed contactless IoT-driven infusion monitoring and management system represents a substantial improvement in healthcare technology. Using the power of IoT and cloud computing, this invention seeks to enhance overall patient outcomes, optimize IV treatment administration, and decrease human monitoring efforts. To increase patient safety, the system has an emergency alarm mechanism based on GSM modules. This feature ensures that caregivers are notified promptly of any irregularities or critical IV drip levels, allowing for prompt treatment. By providing real-time signals, the device lessens the risks related to delayed reactions to IV fluid failure or depletion. Formulating a real-time model for IV drip liquid level monitoring is the main goal of the system. By employing non-invasive sensors to identify and record the drip rate and fluid levels, this gadget assures precise tracking without having physical contact with the IV apparatus. Keywords: Internet of Things, ESP32 microcontroller, Biomedical, GSM, Relay, LCD Display.

MOTIVASI BELAJAR, PENGGUNAAN INTERNET DAN KREATIVITAS DALAM MENGERJAKAN TUGAS SEKOLAH PADA SISWA SMA 24 JAKARTA

This study aims to determine the relationship between learning motivation and internet use with the creativity of grade XI students at SMA 24 Jakarta in doing schoolwork. In this study, the dependent variable is creativity and the independent variable is learning motivation and internet use. The sampling technique used was saturated sampling totaling 161 students with quantitative research. This research instrument uses three Likert scale models consisting of creativity scale, learning motivation scale, and internet use scale. The data analysis technique used is multivariate correlation. The results of this study show that 1) there is a positive relationship between learning motivation and creativity, 2) there is a positive relationship between internet use and creativity, and 3) there is a positive relationship between learning motivation and internet use with creativity. Keywords: creativity, learning motivation, internet use.

The Influence of Internet Use on University Students’ Moral Behavior

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of the internet use on university students` moral behavior in South West Region Cameroon. The researcher used mixed research method design involving both qualitative and quantitative methods. The sample size used was 100 students from HTTTC Kumba all departments from levels 200 and 300. Four lecturers were also interviewed. From the findings, majority of the respondents indicated that some of their private information has been disclosed without their permission; they have been involved in plagiarism, betting, cyber bullying, illegal downloading and many other vices. These issues can be handled through guidance and counselling sessions for students. Also, each department should use plagiarism detection software and each lecturer is expected to be trained in using the software in order to combat plagiarism.

The Role of Family and School Factors in the Development of Problematic Internet Use and Mental Health Problems

The Role of Family and School Factors in the Development of Problematic Internet Use and Mental Health Problems

The demographics of digital disconnection: prevalence, motives and barriers to disconnecting from the Internet in Aotearoa New Zealand

ABSTRACT This study explores how often New Zealanders’ deliberately disconnect from the Internet (“digital disconnection”). Utilizing a nationally representative survey of 1,012 participants, the research investigates the frequency of disconnection from the Internet, the motivations, and the challenges associated with disconnection. The study also explores the relationship between these factors and demographic variables. The findings reveal that a majority of New Zealanders intentionally disconnect from the Internet. The primary motivations for disconnection are to enhance face-to-face interactions, particularly with family and friends, and to reduce distractions associated with Internet use. However, disconnecting presents challenges, particularly the necessity of an Internet connection for accessing certain services. The study also uncovers significant correlations between age and gender and the motivations and challenges of disconnecting. This research provides a crucial first step in understanding digital disconnection in Aotearoa, laying the foundation for future studies on how individuals balance their online and offline lives.

Students’ Perceptions and Experiences of Using Cloud Services in Online Education During Pandemic Time: A Post-Covid Study

ABSTRACT The study examines how Dhaka University students used cloud technologies to assist their online learning throughout the pandemic. A quantitative survey was carried out to collect data from the students of Dhaka University. The questionnaire included both open and close-ended questions and 5-point Likert scale items. Data were collected both online and using printed questionnaires. In this way, a total of 388 responses were recorded. IBM SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the collected data. This study found that the majority of the students used Zoom and Gmail for their online lessons. Students were pleased with the different features of cloud services including the privacy and security of data, free or pay-per-use opportunities, and personalized learning opportunities. The most common hurdle encountered by students, according to the results, was a poor internet connection. The study found no significant differences in the students’ experiences of utilizing cloud services in online learning based on their educational level, gender, age, location of attending online classes, computer experience, cloud use training, and duration of internet use.

Care for Women's Health

The mechanisms by which Internet use influences rural women's health are explored in this paper using a mixed-methods approach. Findings indicate that internet use has a significant and positive effect on the health of rural women and hold up to endogenous and robustness testing. Additionally, the strength of the effects of internet use on self-rated health, depression, and cognition level decreases with age. Information accessibility and social trust as the important path mechanisms for Internet use to promote self-rated health and cognition level. We also investigated the impact of COVID-19 outbreak on this mechanism to further recognize the critical role of digital technology in global public health emergency preparedness and response efforts. These findings provide some insights for policy formulation by Governments and practical action by organizations to better improve women's health in rural areas and reduce rural health disparities.

A Survey on High School Students' Online Self-Regulated Learning Skills

This study explores online self-regulated learning skills among high school students in three schools in China's EAST City Y using questionnaires. Results reveal the online self-regulated learning skills of high school students are positioned at an intermediate level, showcasing noteworthy disparities across distinct cohorts of high school students. Specifically, female students, urban residents, high-achieving students, and senior students (Grade 12) manifest distinct advantages in terms of online self-regulated learning aptitude. Conversely, male students, rural residents, students with comparatively lower academic achievements, as well as students in Grade 10 and Grade 11, evince limitations in online self-regulated learning skills. Additionally, Moderate internet use enhances high school students' online self-regulated learning; excessive or insufficient use hampers skill development. Future research should expand the sample to diverse regions and cultures to enhance generalizability.

Motif Penggunaan Modem Orbit Telkomsel Pada Masyarakat di Kabupaten Karawang : Studi Fenomenologi Tentang Kebutuhan Internet

This research aims to explore the motives and experiences of using the PT Orbit Modem. Telkom Indonesia Tbk. by the people of Karawang Regency in meeting internet needs. By using a qualitative approach and phenomenological study methods, this research identifies the factors that influence people's decisions in using the Telkomsel Orbit modem. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with ten informants who are Telkomsel Orbit modem users in Karawang Regency. The research results show that the motive for using the Telkomsel Orbit modem is influenced by previous positive experiences with Telkomsel products, trust in stable network quality, affordable prices, ease of use, and internet stability. The motives for using it include cost savings, efficiency of use, ease of installation, payment via the MyOrbit application, and the experience of internet stability for daily needs. Therefore, it can be concluded that the decision to use the Telkomsel Orbit modem by the people of Karawang Regency was driven by a combination of positive experiences and the desire to create better conditions in the future, with a focus on trust, efficiency and stability in internet use.

Is internationalization abroad a prerequisite for university students' intercultural competence development?

PurposeThis study aims to examine how intercultural competence (IC) among university students can be enhanced through two streams of higher education internationalization: internationalization abroad and internationalization at home (IaH). By doing so, it aims to improve university students' IC through identifying which factors are more effective in fostering IC.Design/methodology/approachThe study is not solely a literature review, but rather a conceptual exploration based on a selective review of the literature. Due to the exploratory nature of this study, we employed a thematic analysis approach to reviewing English language literature while incorporating relevant Chinese literature to ensure a more balanced representation.FindingsWe found that international students’ IC is influenced by their overseas learning experiences, which are closely related to the duration of stay, language proficiency, intercultural contact, university management and teachers and administrative support. On the other hand, domestic students’ IC has been influenced by various IaH experiences primarily within their home university campus, such as foreign language learning, international curriculum, extracurricular activities, communication between domestic and international students, integrated management of international students, the use of Internet and communication technology and so forth. Although a direct and definitive comparison is lacking, some comparative analyses suggest that IaH experiences may yield better results in enhancing the IC of domestic students.Originality/valueThis article advances the understanding of IC development. We call for further research that values the importance of IaH in the increasingly uncertain globalization and delves into comparative analysis of the effects of two streams of higher education internationalization.