Predictors Of Internet Addiction Research Articles

Academic Procrastination and Social Anxiety as Predictive Variables Internet Addiction of Adolescents

This study is aimed to examine the relationship between Internet addiction and academic procrastination and social anxiety. The study group of this research is 599 high school students, 239 (39.9%) female, and 360 (60.1%) male. It is for the Young Internet Addiction Scale, the Academic Procrastination Scale, and the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents. The data were analyzed by Pearson Correlation Analysis and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis techniques. According to the findings of the study, positive correlation between internet addiction and academic procrastination and social anxiety shows a significant relationship. In other findings of the study, it was found that academic procrastination and social anxiety predicted internet addiction. According to the findings, the most powerful predictor variable was academic procrastination. Expanding the number of samples in future researches, reaching students from the region and sociocultural level ensures that the findings can be generalized, and more reliable results are obtained.

Internet Addiction in India: Its Current Prevalence and Psychological and Complementary Treatment Techniques

Background: In this technical era, undoubtedly, the internet has brought a great revolution worldwide. Smartphones and technology-mediated social networking sites have caused a drastic increase in internet usage in all age groups of people. This has caused internet captivity leading to its addiction. Objective: The paper focussed on the mediators and predictors of internet addiction in India in all age groups of people. Its long-term solutions, i.e. psychological and complementary treatments were focussed that work on personal level rather than disease level. Methods: An extensive literature review was done on the prevalence of the internet and its psychological and complementary treatment. The possible non-pharmacological treatment, specifically cognitive behaviour treatment, art and music therapy, internet fasting and cosmic medicine were focussed on its efficient improvement in one’s health. Conclusion: As evident from our study, internet addiction is one of the growing challenges of health complications in all age groups of people. The mainly discussed psychological and complementary treatments of internet addiction have ample opportunity of seeking betterment with healthy social and mental well being.

The Role of Social Support and Subjective Well-Being as Predictors of Internet Addiction among Israeli-Palestinian College Students in Israel

The current study examines the role of personal and social resources in mitigating internet addiction. This study focuses on two main issues: the correlation between social support and internet addiction, and the correlation between subjective well-being and internet addiction, among Israeli-Palestinian college students. The sample consisted of 500 Israeli-Palestinian college students in Israel, 70% of whom were females. Participants’ ages ranged from 19 to 30 (M = 25.8, SD =4.48). They were chosen in a convenience sampling from six colleges in Israel. The research findings indicated significant correlations between both SWB and social support and internet addiction among Israeli-Palestinian students in Israel. These findings are consistent with previous literature about the contribution of these variables in enhancing one’s ability to cope with stressful and risky behaviors in Western societies.

Reciprocal associations between shyness, self-esteem, loneliness, depression and Internet addiction in Chinese adolescents

Background The present study aimed to test reciprocal longitudinal associations among shyness, self-esteem, loneliness, depression, and Internet addiction. Method A total of 1047 junior middle school students participated in the study. Shyness, self-esteem, loneliness, depression and Internet addiction were assessed at two time-points separated by 12-months. Structural equation modeling was used to test for reciprocal longitudinal associations. Results Cross-lagged analysis revealed that (i) baseline shyness significantly and positively predicted Internet addiction 12 months later; (ii) baseline Internet addiction positively predicted later self-esteem; (iii) baseline loneliness positively predicted later Internet addiction, and baseline Internet addiction also positively predicted later loneliness; (iv) and, finally, baseline depression positively predicted later Internet addiction, and baseline Internet addiction also positively predicted later depression. No other lagged effects were significant. Conclusions The results suggested that shyness is an antecedent to Internet addiction, whereas self-esteem is the outcome of Internet addiction. Results also suggest loneliness and depression are antecedents to Internet addiction.

Prevalence and associated factors of internet addiction among young adults in Bangladesh

BackgroundIn the last decades, the use of internet has increased many folds, and internet addiction has become a severe public health issue around the world. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of internet addiction among young adults (19–35 years) in Bangladesh and to identify factors associated with it.MethodsA total of 454 participants were selected from three administrative divisions of Bangladesh using multistage cluster sampling for this cross-sectional study. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data which included Young’s 20 items internet addiction test to assess internet addiction.ResultsThe overall prevalence of internet addiction was 27.1%. Addiction rate was 28.6% in the subgroup 19–24 years and 23.5% among 25–35 years old. In both chi-square and logistic regression analyses, internet addiction was significantly associated with living setup, time spent daily on the internet, a detached family relationship, physical activity, and smoking habit (p < 0.05). Spending time on social media websites was the most common online activity among the participants.ConclusionOur study revealed a relatively high prevalence of internet addiction among younger participants. A detached family relationship and living away from the family were significant determinants along other factors. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness among young generation and their parents towards predictors of internet addiction.

Motivational but not executive dysfunction in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder predicts internet addiction: Evidence from a longitudinal study

This study tested the causal link between Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Internet addiction (IA) and investigated motivational and executive dysfunction as explanatory mechanisms in this association. A sample of 682 young adults completed self-report measures both at Time1 and Time2, six-months apart, including 54 ADHD participants diagnosed by the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale and the Continuous Performance Test. According to the performance in four cognitive tasks, ADHD participants were classified into three groups based on the dual pathway model of ADHD: executive dysfunction (ED), motivational dysfunction (MD) and combined dysfunction (CD). Participants’ severity of IA symptoms was assessed using the self-report Chen IA Scale. Results indicated that ADHD scores at Time1 predicted IA scores at Time2 but not vice versa. ADHD participants were easier to be IA than controls, while the severity of IA among the three ADHD groups changed differently. The MD and CD groups became more excessively engaged in Internet use over the course of the six-months while the ED group was unchanged. These findings identify ADHD as a potential risk factor for IA and suggest that motivational dysfunction, characterized by an excessive preference for immediate reward over delayed rewards, is a better predictor of IA than executive dysfunction.

Parental attachment and the theory of mind abilities as predictors of internet addiction in Turkish adolescents

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of maternal attachment (MA) and paternal attachment (PA) levels and abilities of reading the mind in the eyes on internet addiction (IA) from a group of Turkish adolescents. Method: This study was conducted among 900 adolescents between the ages of 14-16. Short Form of Young’s Internet Addiction Test (YIAT-SF); Child Form of Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (Eyes Test), Short Form of Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (s-IPPA); and The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) self-report form were used. The independent sample t test, chi square test, Pearson moment product correlation test and The Binary logistic regression analysis were all used for statistical analysis. Results: 12.7% (n = 111) of the adolescents were in the IA group. YIAT-SF scores were negatively correlated with the Eyes Test and s-IPPA scores. There was a positive correlation between YIAT-SF scores and SDQ problem scores. The Binary regression analysis indicated that the Eyes Test, MA and PA scores predict being in the IA group. SDQ inattention/hyperactivity, conduct, peer relation, and emotional problem scores and total problem scores were higher in the group with an IA compared to the group without an IA. Conclusion: Low abilities in reading mind in the eyes, insecure MA and a PA style are associated with the increased risk of IA in adolescents. Adolescents with IA have higher levels of inattention/hyperactivity, conduct, peer relation and emotional problems compared to their peers.

Internet addiction prevalence in youths and its relation with depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and bullying

Objective: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of internet addiction (IA), the predictors of IA, and its relation with depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and peer bullying. Methods: The sample of this study were selected from high school students in the city center of Mus, Turkey, by using a multistage sampling method. Students completed the Internet Addiction Scale, Peer Bullying Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory. Data obtained from 1150 students were analyzed. Results: The prevalence of internet addiction was 11.7%. IA scores correlated negatively with self-esteem scores and positively with depression scores. Students involved in the bullying cycle had a statistically significantly higher mean internet addiction score than those who were not involved in the cycle. Results of binary logistic regression analysis show that students who are both bully and victim are more likely to be addicted to the internet (odds ratio=1.68) than students who are not in the bullying cycle. Every unit increase in the depression score is associated with a 3.8% increase in the odds of being addicted to the internet. For every unit increase in the self-esteem score, the odds of internet addiction decreases by 1.7%. Conclusion: Results show that involvement in bullying, depression, and low self-esteem are predictors of internet addiction. Depression and low self-esteem should be the concurrent predictors for both bullying and internet addiction. Clinical interventions for internet addiction or bullying should include depression and low self-esteem.

Prevalence, predictors, psychological correlates of internet addiction among college students in India: a comprehensive study

Objective: In the era of information technology, internet use is inevitable for mankind. Internet use shows its negative impact when it becomes excessive. The present study intended to determine the prevalence, predictors, psychological correlates of internet addiction (IA) among college students of India. Methods: This study aimed to synthesize findings by assessing the prevalence of IA, psychological correlates of IA and predictors of IA in a large sample of the college students of India. An extensive survey of a randomly selected sample of 1600 college students was conducted during January 2016-April 2017. Internet Addiction Test, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Barratt Impulsivity Scale were employed to collect related data. Results: A comparison of the clinical characteristics of the Internet addict (IAD) and Non Internet addict (N-IAD) groups showed that the score on IA, depression, anxiety and impulsivity were significantly higher in the IAD than in the N-IAD group. Discussion: An extensive survey on a large sample of college students yielded a prevalence of 12.5% in India. The measures of depression, anxiety and impulsivity are significantly correlated to IAD than N-IAD group. This study revealed that risk associated with internet overuse has already become severe hence, implementation of early detection and prevention measures is requisite of mental health professionals in the country.

The Role of Self-Control and Identity Status as Predictors of Internet Addiction among Israeli-Palestinian College Students in Israel

The rising immersion of the internet within global society has been associated with an increased risk of internet addiction, and prevalence rates are particularly high in Arab countries. Notably, adolescents living in Arab societies may have unique challenges that may elevate the likelihood of exhibiting internet addiction, though this population is understudied. Thus, the current work investigated whether self-control and identity style were related to internet addiction among a sample of Israeli-Palestinian adolescents. Participants (n = 500) completed self-report measures to assess the associations of self-control and four identity styles (achieved, diffused, foreclosed, and moratorium) with internet addiction. Correlational analyses and a multiple regression model were used to examine these associations. The multiple regression model demonstrated that (1) higher levels of self-control predicted lower levels of internet addiction (β = − .20, p < .01); (2) achieved (β = − .24, p < .01) and moratorium (β = − .22, p < .01) statuses predicted lower levels of internet addiction; and (3) foreclosed (β = .18, p < .01) and diffused (β = .16, p < .01) statuses predicted higher levels of internet addiction. These findings are consistent with previous literature in samples from Western cultures regarding the contribution of self-control and identity style in decreasing risky behaviors in general and addictive behaviors specifically. Thus, the current research indicates the importance of these variables in non-Western societies as well.

Internet Interpersonal Connection Mediates the Association between Personality and Internet Addiction.

Backgrounds: The development of the Internet has changed interpersonal interactions, so that people no longer need to physically meet each other. However, some people are more vulnerable to becoming addicted to Internet activities, something to which the ease of Internet access and usage has contributed. In this study, we examined the association between personality traits and feelings about online interpersonal interactions to predict Internet addiction. This was accomplished using an online advertisement that asked participants to complete the questionnaires in the laboratory. Methods: Two hundred and twenty-three participants with a mean age of 22.50 years were recruited for this study and asked to complete the following questionnaires: the Beck Depressive Inventory (BDI), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS), the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), the Internet Usage Questionnaire (IUQ) and the Feelings of Internet Interpersonal Interaction Questionnaire (FIIIQ). Results: The results showed that people with a neurotic personality and anxious feelings about Internet interpersonal interactions are more likely to become addicted to the Internet. In addition, people with neuroticism and who are more anxious about Internet interpersonal relationships are more likely to develop Internet addiction. Conclusions: People who tend to develop new interpersonal relationships via the Internet and be anxious about online interpersonal relationships are more vulnerable to becoming addicted to the Internet. The individuals who are more anxious about Internet interpersonal interaction and tend to develop new interpersonal relationships via the Internet are more likely to develop Internet addiction.

The Investigation of Predictive Relationships between Loneliness, Internet Addiction, and Mindfulness through the Structural Equation Model

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the predictive relationships between loneliness, Internet addiction, and mindfulness. Method: The study group consisted of 507 university students studying at Gaziantep University. Of the participants, 352 (69.4%) were female and 155 (30.6%) were male. UCLA Loneliness Scale, Internet Addiction Scale, and Mindfulness Scale were used for data collection. Firstly, the normal distribution of data is examined. Then correlation analysis on loneliness was conducted in order to determine the relationship between Internet addiction and mindfulness. The structural equation was used to measure loneliness in order to determine the predictive relationship between Internet addiction and mindfulness. Results: The results of the study showed that loneliness was negatively correlated with mindfulness, and there was a positive correlation that Internet addiction and mindfulness have a negative relationship with Internet addiction. According to the structural equation model, it was observed that loneliness predicted Internet addiction in a positive way and mindfulness in a negative way. Mindfulness predicts Internet addiction in a negative way. The loneliness has also been found to have an indirect effect on Internet addiction via the mindfulness variable.

Influence of Family Processes on Internet Addiction Among Late Adolescents in Hong Kong.

The present study investigated how the quality of the parent–child subsystem (indexed by behavioral control, psychological control, and parent–child relationship) predicted Internet addiction (IA) levels and change rates among senior high school students. It also examined the concurrent and longitudinal influence of the father- and mother-related factors on adolescent IA. At the beginning of the 2009/2010 school year, we randomly selected 28 high schools in Hong Kong and invited Grade 7 students to complete a questionnaire annually across the high school years. The present study used data collected in the senior high school years (Wave 4–6), which included a matched sample of 3,074 students (aged 15.57 ± 0.74 years at Wave 4). Growth curve modeling analyses revealed a slight decreasing trend in adolescent IA in senior high school years. While higher paternal behavioral control predicted children's lower initial level of and a slower drop in IA, maternal behavioral control was not a significant predictor of these measures. In contrast, higher maternal but not paternal psychological control showed a significant relationship with a higher initial level of and a faster drop in adolescent IA. Finally, better father–child and mother–child relationships predicted a lower initial level of IA among adolescents. However, while a poorer mother–child relationship predicted a faster decline in adolescent IA, father–child relationship quality did not. With the inclusion of all parent–child subsystem factors in the regression analyses, paternal behavioral control and maternal psychological control were identified as the two unique concurrent and longitudinal predictors of adolescent IA. The present findings delineate the essential role of parental control and the parent–child relationship in shaping children's IA across senior high school years, which is inadequately covered in the scientific literature. The study also clarifies the relative contribution of different processes related to the father–child and mother–child subsystems. These findings highlight the need to differentiate the following: (a) levels of and rates of change in adolescent IA, (b) different family processes in the parent–child subsystem, and (c) father- and mother-related factors' contribution to adolescent IA.

Personality traits and internet addiction among selected financial institution employees

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between personality traits and internet addiction behavior. Within the same industry background, job satisfaction was measured to test whether there is any mediating effect toward the relationship between personality traits and internet behavior.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 271 employees from financial institutions was selected, and IBM SPSS was used to perform descriptive statistic, correlation analysis and partial regression analysis, to test out three main hypotheses developed in this study.FindingsThe results indicate that personality traits, namely, agreeableness and emotional stability are negatively related to internet addiction behavior. However, job satisfaction does not mediate the influence of personality traits toward internet addiction behavior, even though the results indicated personality traits, namely, agreeableness, conscientiousness and emotion stability are positively related to job satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsThe main implication includes better understanding on internet addiction behavior in local context and to predict internet addiction behavior through personality traits for better outcome of awareness and prevention toward this psychological disorder.Originality/valueThe study contributes in understanding internet addiction behavior in Malaysia occupational context, as most of the local researches focused in validation of measurement tools. Hence, the finding provides an empirical evidence for organizational psychology study in recognition of internet addiction as part of occupational hazards.

Relationship between anxiety, depression, sex, obesity, and internet addiction in Chinese adolescents: A short-term longitudinal study

Associations between anxiety, depression and adolescent Internet addiction have been well documented in the literature; however, few published studies have examined these relationships considering the developmental trajectory courses of adolescent Internet addiction as well as the individual differences over time. Using a sample of 1545 Chinese adolescents and 3 waves of data over six months, we examined the longitudinal associations between anxiety and depression and Internet addiction, considering sex and obesity. We used latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) to examine the overall conditions of Internet addiction, and latent class growth modeling (LCGM) to determine adolescent developmental membership for Internet addiction. Both unconditional and conditional models were performed. Anxiety and depression were analyzed as time-varying variables, and sex and obesity as time-invariants in our conditional models. Overall, there was a linear decline in adolescent Internet addiction over the six months. Anxiety and depression positively predicted adolescent Internet addiction. Two developmental trajectory patterns for Internet addiction were determined (i.e., low/declining, high/declining). Anxiety was associated with adolescent Internet addiction for both groups of adolescents, but depression was associated with Internet addiction only for adolescents who followed a low/declining course of Internet addiction. Boys reported a higher mean score of Internet addiction at the initial status than girls, and boys also had a faster, declining rate of change over the six months than girls. Obesity was not a predictor of Internet addiction. The results spoke to the importance of considering mental health problems and sex in any intervention efforts to reduce adolescent Internet addiction. Limitations of the study were discussed.

Prediction of Internet addiction based on emotion seeking and identity styles in students

Introduction: The excessive and incorrect use of the Internet and its related technologies by adolescents is a one of common and important problem in our community. Aim: The aim of the present study was to predict the Internet addiction based on identity styles and excitement-seeking in students. Method: the participants in this study were 200 students (n = 101boy, 99 girl) who selected with available sampling procedure. The research method was descriptive - correlative. Results: In general, Multivariate regression analysis showed that it can be significantly predicted Internet addiction based on the elements of sensation seeking. Also The results showed that informational identity styles and commitment have significant negative correlations with Internet addiction and there is a significant positive relationship between normative style and diffuse / avoidant style with Internet addiction. Internet addiction Based on these styles can be significantly predicted. Conclusion: In the prevention and treatment of Internet addiction is essential given the role of sensation seeking and identity styles.

Identifying commonalities and differences in personality characteristics of Internet and social media addiction profiles: traits, self-esteem, and self-construal

ABSTRACTExcessive use of the Internet and social media has been associated with behavioural addiction, which sparked the researchers’ interest in gaining a better understanding of this global phenomenon. The aim of this study was to fill a gap in knowledge by using just one sample to identify similarities and differences in relationships between technology addictions and personality characteristics, especially traits, self-esteem, and self-construal. The sample consisted of 512 undergraduate students. The results showed that Internet addiction and social media addiction shared many more similarities than differences. Agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness to experiences, emotional stability, self-esteem, the frequency of checking account, and Internet usage were predictors of both Internet addiction and social media addiction. Age, satisfaction with life, and interdependent self-construal did not predict Internet addiction or social media addiction, whereas real self and extraversion predicted Internet addiction only, and gender, posting updates, a number of friends, and independent self-construal predicted social media addiction only. These results provide some basis for an understanding of Internet and social media addiction profiles.

The Role of Resilience in Internet Addiction among Adolescents between Sexes: A Moderated Mediation Model.

The behavioral inhibition/activation systems (BIS/BAS) have been considered to be predictors of Internet addiction, mediated by clinical variables such as anxiety and depression. However, resilience has been suggested as a protective factor toward Internet addiction, and certain sex differences in resilience buffering the effects of vulnerability have been reported. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify any role of resilience that might moderate the effects of BIS/BAS on Internet addiction through multiple clinical variables in boys and girls. A total of 519 middle-school students (268 boys and 251 girls, all 14 years old) were administered a questionnaire battery that measures Internet addiction, BIS/BAS, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, anger, and resilience. We used the PROCESS macro in SPSS to perform moderation and mediation analysis. Findings revealed that although a somewhat similar mediation model was supported in both sexes, moderating effects of resilience only emerged in girls. The results showed a protective role of resilience differing between sexes. These results suggest that clinicians should consider sex in the way resilience works as a protective factor against Internet addiction and focus on mitigating the effects of vulnerability by enhancing resilience in female Internet addicts.

Family functioning and internet addiction among adolescent males and females: A moderated mediation analysis

Poor family functioning is an established risk factor in adolescent Internet addiction; however, little is known about the mechanisms underlying this relation. Inspired by the ecological model (Bronfenbrenner, 1979), the current study attempts to explain the association between family functioning and adolescent Internet addiction by testing the potential mediating role of deviant peer affiliation and the moderating role of social sensitivity. A total of 863 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 14.34 years; SD = 1.66; 45% males) completed anonymous questionnaires regarding demographics, family functioning, deviant peer affiliation, social sensitivity, and Internet addiction. After covariates were controlled, the results indicated that deviant peer affiliation partially mediated the negative relation between family functioning and Internet addiction among both males and females. Additionally, the second part of the indirect link was moderated by social sensitivity among females, such that deviant peer affiliation significantly predicted Internet addiction in females with moderate and high but not low social sensitivity. The moderating role of social sensitivity was not significant among adolescent males. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Psychological Well-Being and Adolescents’ Internet Addiction: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Hong Kong

This study examines the correlations of adolescents’ self-esteem, loneliness and depression with their internet use behaviors with a sample of 665 adolescents from seven secondary schools in Hong Kong. The results suggest that frequent online gaming is more strongly correlated to internet addiction and such correlation is higher than other predictors of internet addiction in online behaviors including social interactions or viewing of pornographic materials. Male adolescents tend to spend more time on online gaming than female counterparts. In terms of the effect of internet addiction on adolescents’ psychological well-being, self-esteem is negatively correlated with internet addiction, whereas depression and loneliness are positively correlated with internet addiction. Comparatively, depression had stronger correlation with internet addiction than loneliness or self-esteem. A standardized definition and assessment tool for identifying internet addiction appears to be an unmet need. Findings from this study provide insights for social workers and teachers on designing preventive programs for adolescents susceptible to internet addiction, as well as emotional disturbance arising from internet addiction.