How does Internet Addiction Affect Adolescent Lifestyles? Results from a School-Based Study in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Abstract

The habits acquired during adolescence may continue into adulthood. Therefore, the identification and prevention of Internet addiction is an important goal. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Internet addiction on the lifestyles of adolescents in a sample in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. Design and methods: The sample consisted of 367 adolescents. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Internet Addiction Scale, and the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours Scale-II between January and June 2018. This manuscript has been prepared according to Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Results: The mean Internet addiction score among the included adolescents was found to be moderate. Males aged 17 years with divorced parents and adolescents who have poor relationships with family members and friends had higher average Internet addiction scores. A negative and moderate relationship between Internet addiction and healthy lifestyle behaviours was identified among adolescents. Conclusions: Internet addiction is negatively and moderately predictive of an adolescent's lifestyle. Practice implications: Strengthening relationships with family and friends can prevent adolescents from developing Internet addictions and increase healthy lifestyle behaviours. Courses should be added to the curriculum that aim to improve the understanding of the risks and benefits (e.g. e-mail, Internet tools) associated with the Internet for both school staff and students. The results of the present study can be used to guide the development of a healthy Internet use program targeted at adolescents for use by school nurses.

Internet addiction and psychosocial problems among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

“…Internet addiction occurs when an individual spends much more time on the internet than is considered reasonable ( Kaya & Dalgiç, 2021 ). The risk of excessive internet use turning into internet addiction increases in children and adolescents ( Busch & De Leeuw, 2014 ; Işik & Ayaz Alkaya, 2017 ; Kurniasanti, Assandi, Ismail, Nasrun, & Wiguna, 2019 ).…”

“…It is thought that the risk of addiction may increase in adolescents. In a study conducted with adolescents, it is stated that establishing good relationships with family and friends can be a preventive factor for internet addiction ( Kaya & Dalgiç, 2021 ). For healthy development, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (2020) recommends that adolescents spend most of their time on activities such as sleeping, doing homework, reading books for fun, building social and family connections, physical activities and housework, rather than spending their time online or in front of the screen.…”

“…Several studies have been conducted before the pandemic regarding the internet use and psychosocial problems experienced by adolescents in Turkey ( Avşar & Ayaz-Alkaya, 2021 ; Işik & Ayaz Alkaya, 2017 ; Kaya & Dalgiç, 2021 ; Kısa & Karşıdağ, 2021 ). However, a gap exists in the literature regarding whether there is a relationship between the development of internet addiction and psychosocial problems due to increased internet use and quarantine measures in adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic.…”

Adölesanlarda Dijital Oyun Bağımlılığının Mutluluk ve Yaşamın Anlamına Etkisi

“…Teknolojinin hızla ilerlemesi getirdiği pek çok avantajı ile birlikte bilgisayar oyunları, akıllı telefon ve internet bağımlılığı gibi davranışsal bağımlılıkların da hızla artmasına neden olmuştur (1,2). Bu tür bağımlılıkların özellikle adölesan grup üzerindeki olumsuz etkileri yapılan güncel çalışmalarla belirlenmiştir (3)(4)(5). Davranışsal bir bağımlılık olarak nitelendirilen dijital oyun bağımlılığı bu bağımlılıklardan biridir (6,7).…”

“…Adölesan dönemi insanın yaşamında yaşam tarzını şekillendiren ve sağlıklı olmayı belirleyen birçok değişkene ilişkin temellerin atıldığı çok önemli bir dönemdir. Dolayısıyla bu dönemde kazanılan pek çok alışkanlık adölesanın yaşam tarzını olumlu ya da olumsuz önemli ölçüde etkiler (4,15). Adölesanların mutluluk düzeylerinin artması yaşamlarında daha olumlu duygulara yönelmelerini ve çevreleri ile daha pozitif ilişkiler kurabilmelerini sağlamaktadır (16).…”