The relationship between internet addiction and social connectedness in young adults (According to Young Internet Scale)

The present study examines the relationship between internet addiction and social connectedness in young adults. The advent of technology has rendered the internet an indispensable component of contemporary life. However, excessive and uncontrolled use may precipitate the development of an addiction. In the study, the participants' levels of internet addiction were evaluated using the Young Internet Addiction Scale, while their levels of social commitment were assessed using the Lee and Robbins Social Commitment Scale. The findings of the study indicated a statistically significant negative correlation between internet addiction and social connectedness. This suggests that individuals with strong social ties may exhibit lower levels of internet addiction. Furthermore, the results of the analysis according to the degree to which the Internet facilitates daily life indicated that the level of social connectedness was higher when the Internet was perceived as making life "quite easy." The impact of variables such as gender, duration of internet use and place of access on internet addiction was examined. While no significant correlation was identified between duration of internet use and addiction, the place of access was found to be a significant factor. These findings indicate that social support systems and conscious internet use may be instrumental in reducing internet addiction in young adults. The study suggests that various strategies should be developed to guide the internet usage habits of young people.