Problematic Internet Usage by Adolescents with Disabilities

Abstract

Introduction. The intensive development of adaptive information technologies leads to the active inclusion of adolescents with disabilities in Internet communications, expanding the possibilities of their social adaptation. At the same time, the limitation of opportunities for social interaction due to impaired psychophysical development is an additional factor in the uncontrolled involvement of adolescents in Internet communication and the risk of Problematic Internet Usage.The aim of this research is to study the degree and indicators of Internet addiction among adolescents with disabilities in conjunction with indicators of their social adaptability.Methodology and research methods. Theoretical and empirical study is based on the provisions of the psychological theory of activity and personality, cultural-historical theory of L. S. Vygotsky, the ideas of domestic and foreign psychology about addictive behaviour including about risk and factors of Internet addictive behaviour normally developing adolescents and adolescents with disabilities.The study was carried out using empirical methods (questionnaires, psycho-diagnostic methods, survey methods); methods of quantitative analysis of empirical data, including methods of mathematical statistics: comparison of samples by the Mann-Whitney test; correlation analysis using the linear Pearson correlation coefficient. The calculations were performed using the Excel software package and using the SPSS 16.0 software package (Statistical Package for Social Science).Research results and scientific novelty. The general and specific features of the Internet usage among adolescents with disabilities are identified; personality traits are identified as a prerequisite for the Problematic Internet Usage in this category of adolescents. It has been determined that virtual communication acts for adolescents with disabilities as a kind of adaptation-compensatory resource that allows overcoming communicative difficulties. At the same time, inadequate selfregulation of behaviour makes it difficult for self-control to stay online and the- Problematic Internet Usage by Adolescents with DisabilitiesОбразование и наука. Том 21, № 9. 2019/The Education and Science Journal. Vol. 21, № 9. 2019 99 reby increases the risk of the negative impact of interaction on the Internet on their physical and mental state. It is revealed that the personal background of the Problematic Internet Usage has specificity depending on the nature of developmental disorders in adolescents.Practical significance. The results of the research can be used in the work of a psychologist and a teacher for the diagnosis, prevention and correction of Internet addiction by adolescents with disabilities.

Blended Learning Environments in Inclusive Education at the University

“…The study shows the attitude of university teachers to those students who have limitations and their relationship to the implementation of inclusion at the university level, in three aspects: emotional, cognitive, and conative (Table 6). Lastly, it should be noted that the study respondents maintained a positive moral, emotional and cognitive attitude towards the rights of students with disabilities to receive higher education, but not inclusive at regular universities [17]. Developing a learning environment that provides opportunities to improve progress for everyone, new qualified teachers should receive the necessary practice to work on an inclusive basis.…”

“…Guaranteed inclusion in higher education protects the rights of students who have certain disabilities [17]. Complexity, multidimensionality, and problematic nature of inclusive education might not be ignored until a person faces its practical consequences [18].…”

Subjective well‐being and vulnerability related to problematic Internet use among university students with and without disabilities: A comparative study

“…Several studies and reviews have demonstrated the relationship between Internet use and health, well-being, and mental health (Szulc & Duplaga, 2019). It seems that online communication may be an effective way of building appropriate social support and generating psychological health arrangements, thus offsetting the difficulties of social interaction imposed by disability (Cheatham, 2012;Lee & Cho, 2019;Smedema & McKenzie, 2010;Volkova et al, 2019). Until now, very few studies have focused on people who have some type of disability.…”

“…It is believed that the presence of a disability, whether physical or sensory, may increase young people's already confirmed vulnerability considerably, thus generating unquestionable interest in the phenomenon. Studies carried out into this problem in disabled people have to date been scarce and/or their data are inconclusive (Lathouwers et al, 2009;Volkova et al, 2019), sometimes due to methodological difficulties or limited access to samples (Adecco survey, 2016;Suriá, 2012Suriá, , 2015.…”