Internet use and addiction among Finnish Adolescents (15–19 years)

Abstract

This study investigates Internet use among Finnish adolescents (n = 475) combining qualitative and quantitative research. Internet use was evaluated using the Internet Addiction Test (Young, 1998a, 1998b). The data was divided into three parts according to the test scores: normal users (14.3%), mild over‐users (61.5%), and moderate or serious over‐users (24.2%). The most common reason for use was having fun. While half the students reported disadvantages associated with their use, further qualitative analysis revealed that students with serious overuse did not report any harm caused by using the Internet. As disadvantages of using the Internet, students reported that it is time‐consuming and causes mental, social, and physical harm and poor school attendance. Four factors of Internet addiction were found, and for two of them, a statistical difference between females and males was found.

Investigating Adolescents’ Behaviors on the Internet and Problematic Internet Usage

“…In this research, adolescents' mean score for problematic Internet usage with regard to their reason for using it are as follows: the mean problematic Internet usage score for those who use the Internet to have fun/pass time is the highest (M = 68.90); the mean score for adolescents who use the Internet to communicate rank second (M = 68.39), and the mean score for adolescents who use the Internet to obtain information rank third (M = 53.89). The research shows that adolescents' problematic Internet usage who use the Internet for purposes other than obtaining information is high, and this result parallels the results of certain studies in the literature (Balkaya Çetin, 2014;Sinkkonen, Puhakka, & Merilainen, 2014;Yang & Tung, 2004). The research made by Tahiroğlu et al (2010), Tsai and Lin (2003), and Yılmaz (2013) also obtained similar results and determined that those using the Internet for purposes such as socializing, playing games, chatting, or communicating had higher mean scores for Internet addiction.…”

“…Tahiroğlu et al (2010) showed that using computers for an extended time causes individuals to have many physical problems. Sinkkonen et al (2014) found that negative effects of the Internet (physical disorders, low school success, social isolation, etc.) were higher for students who use the Internet for long durations (Sinkkonen et al, 2014;Yang & Tung, 2004).…”

“…Sinkkonen et al (2014) found that negative effects of the Internet (physical disorders, low school success, social isolation, etc.) were higher for students who use the Internet for long durations (Sinkkonen et al, 2014;Yang & Tung, 2004). Also, studies exist that show the Internet has negative effects on academic environment (Balkaya Çetin, 2014;Derin, 2013;Esen, 2010;İnan, 2010;Nalwa & Anand, 2003;Stavropoulos et al, 2013;Taçyıldız, 2010;Toraman, 2013;Yang & Tung, 2004).…”

Teenagers and the Use of New Technologies (Ict) for Health Information

“…Even if they have wide access to online information due to the spread of technologies, teenagers question the credibility of sources (Gray et al, 2005) and are sensitive to the risks to which they expose if they do not go to the doctor. In this matter, the data of this research are contrary that previous studies (Nuutinen et al, 2014;Sinkkonen, Puhakka & Meriläinen, 2014;Augner & Hacker, 2012;Punamäki et al, 2007;, Palmer et al, 2014Alexander & Currie, 2004) that have pointed out that teenagers expose to high risks in the online environment and are passive consumers of online technology and information. We can further take into account in which conditions and relations to what do teenagers rather exhibit passivity and engage in behaviours risky to their health.…”

Mental Health Promotion: Prevention of Problematic Internet Use among Adolescents

“…At present, the rapid emergence of online interactions provides new possibilities to exchange information, to provide support or to have conversations between people who otherwise could not be interconnected. However, the Internet has its own advantages and disadvantages [1]. Problematic Internet Use remains an ill-defined and heterogeneous construct, however two features appear fundamental to its conceptualization.…”