The effect of internet addiction of university students on social intelligence and self-efficacy perception

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between university students' internet addiction and their social intelligence and self-efficacy perception. Within the scope of the research, it is intended to understand the relationship between the levels of internet addiction among university students and their social intelligence and self-efficacy perception, as well as to identify the nature of this relationship and its guiding factors. Accordingly, the concepts and theoretical approaches of internet addiction, social intelligence, and self-efficacy were initially discussed, followed by an examination of the relationship between internet addiction and these two constructs within the framework of sample studies. The impact of digital transformation on these relationships was specifically addressed, and relevant studies from both Turkish and international literature were reviewed. A mixed-methods design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative research methods, was preferred for this study. The quantitative part aimed to determine the levels of internet addiction among university students, their social intelligence and self-efficacy status, and to identify whether these variables influence one another. The qualitative component aimed to obtain detailed information regarding university students' internet addiction and their perceptions of social intelligence and self-efficacy. The relational screening model was employed in the quantitative section, while a phenomenological approach was adopted in the qualitative part. The quantitative section of the research was designed using a general screening model. For data collection and analysis, survey data were gathered through field research, and IBM SPSS for Windows v.26.0 and Microsoft Excel 2019 were utilized for statistical analyses and evaluation of results. Semi-structured interview forms were used for qualitative data collection, with analyses conducted using MAXQDA 2020 qualitative analysis software and descriptive analysis methods. Quantitative findings revealed a positive correlation between social intelligence and internet addiction, suggesting that internet use may contribute to an increase in social intelligence levels. Conversely, a negative correlation was found between internet addiction and academic self-efficacy, indicating that as internet addiction increases, the perception of academic self-efficacy decreases. Qualitative results indicated that controlled and functional internet use could be beneficial for academic studies. Based on the findings obtained within the scope of this research, it is aimed to raise awareness about internet addiction, encourage university students to establish healthier relationships with the digital world, and implement practices that can help them improve their social intelligence and academic self-efficacy. Additionally, the study seeks to provide information regarding possible preventive measures and interventions that can be applied.