AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF THE INTERNET ADDICTION LEVEL AMONG ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

The article deals with the relevant problem of the Internet-addictive behavior among teenagers. The author analyzes scientific approaches for studying addictive behavior and Internet addiction as its variety in the modern psychological literature. Different types of computer addictions are analyzed: computer addiction, Internet addiction, Internet addiction, cyber addiction. Internet addiction presumes a constant desire to be on the Internet and inability to quit it in time. The reasons of attractiveness of the virtual environment in comparison with a real life are analyzed: possibility of image change, self-realization, absence of restrictions, breadth of communication, etc.

Features of physical, mental and social development of teenagers, which in case of frustration in important spheres of life may contribute to the formation of Internet addiction, were characterized. It was determined that the main reason for the formation of Internet addiction is lack of communication and emotional contacts in real life, which they try to compensate in the virtual reality. It is established that consequences of Internet addiction among adolescents are: further aggravation of social isolation, disadaptation and real life communication problems.

An empirical study of the level of Internet addiction among 13-15 year-olds was conducted. The study showed that about half of the respondents experienced some problems with Internet use, expressed to a greater or lesser extent. Thus, on average, about 20% of the young people had a high level of Internet addiction, about 30% were prone to it and about 50% had no addiction. We used Kimberly Young's Internet Addiction Test, T. Nikitina and A. Egorov's Internet Addiction Test, and A. Zhichkina's Internet Addiction Scale. These methods showed close results, complementing each other and allowing drawing valid conclusions. As a result of the study it was deemed necessary for school psychologists to develop and apply appropriate measures of psychological help, in particular, preventive programs to prevent Internet addiction in adolescents.