Measuring and analyzing the causes of problematic Internet use

Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2012 Nov;15(11):591-6. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2011.0099. Epub 2012 Sep 28.

Abstract

Since Internet surfing became a daily activity, people have changed their behavior. This research analyzes the causes of problematic Internet use through an online survey, where 1,094 samples were collected. Based on the results of structural equation modeling analysis, the following conclusions are reached: First, novelty, security, and efficiency increase users' online trust. Second, information and efficiency enhance users' sharing and anonymity online. Third, greater trust in Internet environments leads to an increase in a user's cognitive bias toward online behavioral responsibility and Internet addiction. Fourth, a user's attitude toward online sharing further increases the cognitive bias toward online copyright. Fifth, a user's attitude toward anonymity increases cognitive bias toward online copyright, online behavioral responsibility, and deepens Internet addiction.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude to Computers
  • Behavior, Addictive / diagnosis
  • Behavior, Addictive / epidemiology
  • Behavior, Addictive / etiology
  • Behavior, Addictive / psychology*
  • Child
  • Exploratory Behavior
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Taiwan / epidemiology
  • Trust / psychology
  • Young Adult