A Study of Internet Addiction through the Lens of the Interpersonal Theory

Abstract

Previous studies have presented conflicting claims regarding reasons that people become addicted to the Internet. In this study, we attempted to identify predictors of Internet addiction based on Sullivan's interpersonal theory and Internet addiction literature. In our research model, it is hypothesized that good parent-child relationship positively correlates with good interpersonal relationships, which in turn are hypothesized to correlate with undesirable social anxiety. In addition, both parent-child and interpersonal relationships are hypothesized to negatively correlate with Internet addiction, whereas the level of social anxiety is hypothesized to positively correlate with Internet addiction. The results of this study confirm the research model hypotheses, indicating that the quality of parent-child relationship is indeed positively correlated to the quality of our participants' interpersonal relationships and that frustrating interpersonal relationships may raise the level of social anxiety. In addition, interpersonal relationships, the parent-child relationship, and social anxiety all influence Internet addiction, as predicted by the model. Finally, the more social anxiety and discontent with their peer interactions the participants experienced, the more addicted they were to the Internet.

Relation between Video Game Addiction and Interfamily Relationships on Primary School Students

“…Furthermore, Jeong and Kim (2011) state that the amount and quality of social time spent with one's parents has effect on individuals' video game addiction. Regarding the literature, even though only a few number of studies on video game addiction and family relations have been conducted, there do exist studies which showing there to be a meaningful relation between internet addiction and family relations (Liu & Kuo, 2007;Mesch, 2003;Yen et al, 2007).…”

“…Studies show there to be a meaningful relation between family relations, drug addiction (Johnson, McBride, Hopkins, & Pepper, 2014), and internet addiction (Liu & Kuo, 2007;Mesch, 2003;Yen, Yen, Chen, Chen, & Ko, 2007). In a study analyzing family's attitudes toward internet and internet addiction, it was found that families' negligent attitudes toward the internet itself played an important role in their children developing an addiction to the internet (Ayas & Horzum, 2013).…”

Internet Addiction or Excessive Internet Use

“…However, there was contradictory evidence of high Self-Directedness and Cooperativeness profiles together with low scores on the Novelty Seeking and Self-Transcendence scales in another South Korean study (53). Internet addiction was positively associated with social anxiety and discontent with peer interactions (54), and with parenting attitudes, family communication, family cohesion, and family violence exposure (32).…”

Ergenlikte Saplantılı İnternet Kullanımın Ebeveyn ve Ergenlerin Bildirimine Dayalı Olarak İncelenmesi

“…Araştırmalar anababalık stillerinin dışında anababa katılımının da özelde çocuk ve ergenlerin internet kullanımında (Warren, Gerke, & Kelly, 2002;Liu & Kuo 2007) genel olarak da, çocukların ve ergenlerin iyi oluşları üzerinde etkili olduğunu göstermektedir (Arim, Marshall, & Shapka, 2010;Barber, Stolz, & Olsen, 2005;Smetana & Daddis, 2002). Ergenler evde kendilerini güvende hissederlerse, anlaşıldıklarını düşünürlerse ve anababaları tarafından ciddiye alındıklarını düşünürlerse saplantılı internet kullanımı konusunda daha düşük düzeyde risk taşımaktadırlar (van den Eijnden ve diğ., 2010).…”

“…Bu bulguya göre baba katılımı yüksek olan ergenlerin saplantılı internet kullanım davranışları gösterme eğilimleri daha düşüktür. Bu bulgu genel olarak baba katılımının çocukların ve ergenlerin iyi oluşları üzerinde etkili olduğunu gösteren (Kuzucu & Özdemir, 2013;Arim, Marshall, & Shapka, 2010;Barber, Stolz, & Olsen, 2005;Smetana & Daddis, 2002;van den Eijnden ve diğ., 2010) özelde de anababa katılımı ile çocukların internet kullanımı davranışları arasındaki olumsuz ilişkileri gösteren bulgularla benzerlik göstermektedir (Warren, Gerke, & Kelly, 2002;Liu & Kuo 2007). Bazı çalışmalar aile içindeki sorunların internet bağımlılığı riskini artırdığını gösterirken (Ko ve diğ., 2007;Yen ve diğ.…”