Internet Dependence in the Collegiate Population: The Role of Shyness

Abstract

Low sensation seeking and loneliness have been associated with collegiate Internet dependence. In an attempt to further explicate the factors associated with collegiate Internet dependence, interpersonal shyness (both online and in face-to-face [FTF] interactions) was explored. An online questionnaire was used to assess Internet dependency and shyness. The results demonstrated the predicted interaction such that shyness level for nondependents did not differ online or in FTF interactions. However, dependents' shyness was greater in FTF interactions relative to online interpersonal exchanges. The results were discussed in terms of how various Internet resources (e.g., e-mail, chat rooms, and instant messages) can be used to ameliorate shyness and how such negatively reinforced behavior could foster dependence.

The Effects of Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on the Improvement of Depression and Anxiety in Adolescents with Problematic Internet Use

“…25) In addition, loneliness, shyness, and avoidance of social relationships are associated with problematic Internet use. 26,27) Finally, to reduce anxiety, socially unstable individuals prefer to communicate via the Internet with a low risk of social communication and therefore exhibit vulnerability to problematic Internet use. 28) Thus, it is assumed that these individuals have addressed the mutual improvement result by not only reducing Internet use via group CBT, but also by experiencing positive social communication opportunities.…”

Internet addiction in students: Prevalence and risk factors

“…In terms of specific applications, gaming has been extensively researched as an online application with a high addictive potential (Huang, 2006;Kuss & Griffiths, 2012b;Leung, 2004). Moreover, the use of social applications, namely online chatting (Huang, 2006;Leung, 2004), social networking sites (SNSs) (Kuss & Griffiths, 2011;Leung & Lee, 2012), such as Facebook (Kittinger, Correia, & Irons, 2012), and online instant messengers (Leung, 2004;Yuen & Lavin, 2004) have been found to be associated with Internet addiction. Furthermore, spending more time on online activities such as shopping and gaming has been linked to depressive symptoms (Morgan & Cotten, 2003).…”

Assessing Internet Addiction Using the Parsimonious Internet Addiction Components Model—A Preliminary Study

“…To date, the official diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling (Kaltiala-Heino, Lintonen, & Rimpela, 2004;Young, 1999) and substance dependence (Armstrong, Phillips, & Saling, 2000;Nichols & Nicki, 2004;Yuen & Lavin, 2004) are most commonly applied to diagnose potential Internet addiction both in survey research and in clinical settings. Some researchers however question the extent to which there is really such a thing as Internet/ gaming addiction (Blaszczynski, 2006;Shaffer, Hall, & Vander Bilt, 2000).…”