Problematic internet use: A study in Turkey

As the internet has become an increasingly widespread phenomenon, concerns about the results of problematic internet use (PIU) has also increased. The present study investigated the relationships between PIU, depression, social anxiety and family environment. To examine this, relationship a large community sample of 515 young adults between the ages of 18 to 25 were asked to fill out an online survey which consisted of several questionnaires. (Beck Depression Inventory, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, Family Environment Scale and Problematic Internet Usage Scale). The data was studied using correlation, hierarchical regression and mediation analyses. The obtained results indicated that there were significant relationships between depression, social anxiety, family environment and problematic internet use. Family environment was assessed according to two subscales, cohesiveness and control. It was found that whilst cohesive parenting had a negative relationship with PIU, control usually had no effect and at times even has a positive relationship with problematic internet use behavior. Thus it has been found that depression and social anxiety is significantly associated with problematic internet use. Moreover only family cohesiveness acted as a protective factor against problematic internet use which might be suggestive of its importance for preventative measures.