Trapped in the internet: internet addiction among Hong Kong teenagers

Abstract

Objectives: The present research was an attempt to explore the psychological characteristics of teenager Internet addicts in Hong Kong.

Methods: A total number of 337 teenagers (161 males, 176 females) were recruited from two secondary schools. They completed a questionnaire consisting of Young’s Internet Addiction Test, Chinese Version of Beck Depression Inventory, Wittenberg’s Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale, and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale.

Results: Among the respondents (N=337), 53.4% of them were categorized as possible addicts (n=180), while 3.9% of them were diagnosed as Internet addicts (n=13). Consistent with previous findings, the Internet addicts were high in depression, high in emotional and social loneliness, and low in self-esteem as compared to non-addicts. Results showed that the family and interpersonal relationship of the non-addicts were also affected adversely.

Discussion: By understanding the psychological characteristics of Internet addicts, remedial solutions may be developed to protect Internet users from the negative effects.