PSYHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF THE DURATION OF INTERNET USAGE ON ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of internet usage time on adolescents' depression, social phobia, loneliness and internet addiction levels.
Materials and Methods: Three hundred students who are currently studying in Istanbul have been enrolled to the study. Beck Depression Inventory, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, Young Internet Addiction Test ve UCLA Loneliness Scale have been implemented.
Results: There is a positive relationship between adolescents’ internet usage time, their depression, social phobia, loneliness and internet addiction levels. As adolescents' internet usage time increases, their potential of experiencing these situations increases.
Discussion and Conclusion: Researches regarding this subject are crucial as the number of people who are addicted to internet increases depending on evolution of computer technology. Internet use between children and adolescents are increasing rapidly The impact of internet use on adolescents' psychology must be researched among various and larger groups and must be studied efficiently to prevent its negative impacts.