Individualism and internet addiction: the mediating role of psychological needs

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating role of psychological needs in the association between individualism and internet addiction. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method design was used by comprising of 602 college students’ (70.3 percent women) responses obtained through the Individualism-Collectivism Survey, New Needs Assessment Questionnaire, and Internet Addiction Scale. Structural equation modeling techniques were used to investigate the theoretical relationships among the constructs. Constant comparative method was employed to analyze qualitative data that resulted from the transcription of semi-structured interviews with 12 field experts. Findings Quantitative results showed that individualism has a significant effect on internet addiction through affiliation, dominance, achievement, and autonomy (i.e. psychological needs). As students’ needs for dominance, achievement, and autonomy increased their internet addiction levels decreased. However, increase in the need of affiliation led to increase in the likelihood of internet addiction. Qualitative findings suggested alternative ways to satisfy psychological needs in socially more proper ways. Originality/value Psychological needs and internet addiction have long been investigated both independently and in relation to each other. However, the investigation of espoused culture (i.e. individualism) in relation to psychological needs and internet addiction is relatively recent. A review of the recent literature showed that an investigation of the mediating role of psychological needs in the effect of individualism on internet addiction is highly original. Moreover, initial quantitative results and follow-up qualitative findings help the authors understand psychological needs underlying internet addiction and suggest socially more appropriate means to satisfy these needs. Findings have theoretical values for researchers as well as practical values for those who work with students.

Prevalence of Internet Addiction and Gaming Disorders in Southeast Asia: A Meta-Analysis

“…Western countries, such as the American and European countries, are often perceived as having a more individualistic culture than the Southeast Asian countries [41,42]. Interestingly, Arpaci et al [43] found that a higher level of individualism, manifested by increased needs for achievement, autonomy, and dominance, and reduced need for affiliation, was significantly associated with a lower degree of Internet addiction. Accordingly, this higher level of individualism may have accounted for the lower prevalence of Internet and gaming disorders in Western countries than in Southeast Asia.…”

Inattention and Disordered Gaming: Does Culture Matter?

“…Such drives for achievements and ranking are facilitated and fed in gaming contexts, structure, and progress, and therefore, might further increase gaming engagement and in turn increase IGD risk. This might be of higher importance among more VI-orientated inattentive gamers, who may be less able to achieve and compete in their real lives due to their inattention (Arpaci, Kesici, & Baloglu, 2017;Lee & Wohn, 2012;Stetina et al, 2011). Furthermore, individual autonomy and independence, related to higher VI tendencies, have been proposed as increasing the risk of developing IGD (Lee & Kim, 2015;Triandis, 1996).…”

Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Adoption in Asian Countries: An Empirical Evidence of Economic and Socio-Cultural Factors

“…For instance, individualism or collectivism significantly affects the acceptance of mobile commerce (Faqih & Jaradat, 2015). Also, individualism culture affects internet addiction significantly (Arpaci, Kesici, & Baloğlu, 2018;Jiang, Li, & Shypenka, 2018).…”