Internet addiction: an evaluation in terms of loneliness and interpersonal relationship styles

Batıgün, A.D. (2010) Internet addiction: an evaluation in terms of loneliness and interpersonal relationship styles. Anatolian Journal of Psychiatry (Anadolu Psikiyatri Dergisi), 11 (3). pp. 213-219.

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Abstract

Objective: This study attempted to examine the relationship between internet dependency, and loneliness and interpersonal styles. It was also aimed to investigate certain demographic and descriptive variables associated with internet usage and dependence amongst adolescents. Methods: The sample was composed of 213 participants (105 female, 106 male, and two did not mention gender) with an age range of 18-27 (mean= 21.45±2.19). Besides the demographic information questionnaire, Internet Dependency Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Interpersonal Relationship Styles Scale were used to gather the data. Results: The analyses revealed that 14% of the participants obtained high scores in internet dependency. The mean duration of internet usage is 2.17±0.70 hours a day which means more than 15 hours a week. It was also found that inhibitory interpersonal relationship style and loneliness is more common in these individuals than the ones who do not have internet dependency. In addition, internet dependents use internet for longer hours and mainly for communication purposes. The duration of internet usage, the usage of internet for communication, and having an inhibitory style in interpersonal relationships were found to be the predictors of internet dependency. Discussion: The results of this study can shed some light on further research and clinical practices in identifying risk groups, and developing preventive interventions and treatment strategies. For instance, implementation of social skill training programs for improvement of communication skills and reducing loneliness are thought to be effective in prevention and treatment of internet dependency.

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