Internet addiction spectrum detailed in study: Where do you rate?

health

by Brooke Kato

The invention of endless scrolling on social media has created an unexpected addiction to the internet. Now, researchers are trying to measure screen addiction in a new study.

Scientists at the University of Surrey investigated the relationship between age and internet use and found a link between young people and internet addiction.

“We found that the younger you are, the more likely you are to become addicted to the Internet, and this tendency decreases with age,” lead author Dr. Brigitte Stangl said in the paper. statement.

Researchers surveyed 796 participants in an attempt to identify problematic internet use, addiction, and its severity. the studyThey found that people under the age of 24 spend an average of six hours online, while those over the age of 24 only spend an average of four hours online.

The study, published in the Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, is consistent with emerging data on the negative effects on American youth’s mental health.

Based on survey responses, researchers at the University of Surrey were able to categorize screen users into five groups: casual users, early users, experimenters, denial addicts, and addicts.

Casual users, who made up about 14% of respondents and had an average age of 33, went online for “specific tasks” and logged off without lingering, but showed no signs of addiction and I had no interest in using the app.

Early users (on average 26 years old among those surveyed) found themselves spending more time online than they had originally planned and were more likely to ignore chores in exchange for screen time, but participants’ 21% of the experimenters felt anxious or uncomfortable. Anxiety when you are not connected to the internet.

“Being online makes you feel good,” the researchers explained of experimenters who are between the ages of 22 and 24 and are open to trying new applications.

Addiction deniers, who comprised about 17% of participants, exhibited “addictive behaviors” such as forming relationships on the Internet and “ignoring real-world responsibilities to be online.” But tech-savvy people will never admit to feeling nervous when they’re not scrolling through social media.

Finally, true addicts, who made up around 22% of participants, candidly admit their addiction to screens and the negative impact it has on their daily lives, spending “significantly more” time online than regular users. Masu.

Although there was no correlation between internet use and gender, the researchers found that cell phone use was associated with higher levels of addiction, and that emotional responses to technology influenced future responses to augmented reality. found to predict behavior.

“Our study highlights the need for tailored interventions and supports for individuals at different stages of internet addiction,” Stangl said.

“The findings of this study will certainly have an impact on the design and development of digital services. [augmented reality] Develop applications to ensure they meet the diverse needs of users in today’s digital environment. ”