In fact, Internet addicts exhibit higher rates of conflict with their parents, 35 report dysfunctional communication with their parents, and experience higher levels of familial conflict 1, 36 than non-addicts. Moreover, research has indicated that interpersonal problems such as social anxiety/shyness 19, 24, 32 and poor social competence 23, 32, 33, 34 are positively correlated with Internet addiction. In other words, the online space provides a rewarding sense of belonging, warmth, and well-being. From this perspective, the online space functions as a substitute for an unmet need for an actual relationship. Control problems related to attention problem 24, 30 and self-regulation 31 may be important variables as well.īy contrast, other researchers have explained Internet addiction in terms of interpersonal difficulties. 15, 16, 17, 18 In addition, several studies have reported positive associations between personality characteristics and temperament (e.g., introversion 25 and impulsivity/sensation seeking 26, 27, 28, 29) and Internet addiction. There is strong evidence that symptoms of depression are strongly associated with Internet addiction, and that individuals who have increased levels of depression are more susceptible to becoming addicted to the Internet. Some researchers have explored whether negative emotions such as depression, 15, 16, 17, 18 anxiety, 18 loneliness, 19, 20, 21 and aggression/hostility 22, 23, 24 have a significant role in the development of Internet addictions. For example, several studies 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 have argued that people who experience low self-esteem or identity problems may become addicted to the Internet because they use it as a means to compensate for deficits in those areas. There has also been a focus on intrapersonal characteristics (e.g., vulnerability) as factors in Internet addiction. 7 Davis, 8 one of the first proponents of theoretical models, assumed that maladaptive cognitions (e.g., rumination, self-doubt, and negative self-appraisal) play a central role in pathological Internet use. while the interpersonal perspective emphasizes social support, peers, and parent-child relationships. ![]() Some attempts 3, 4, 5, 6 have been made to explain Internet addiction by appealing to either intrapersonal or interpersonal perspectives: the intrapersonal perspective focuses on the individual's internal characteristics, such as temperament, self-esteem, negative emotions, etc. ![]() Despite a growing number of empirical investigations, theoretical models of Internet addiction have been slow to develop. To date, a number of risk and protective factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of Internet addiction have been identified. Effective prevention and intervention requires a conceptual model that connects risk and protection factors, mediating processes, and maladaptive behaviors. Thus, there is an urgent need to gain a comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon and to develop effective strategies for both prevention and intervention. 1, 2 Within recent decades, Internet addiction has emerged as a serious public health issue in Korea. ![]() The prevalence of Internet addiction in Korea is markedly high, ranging from 4.9% to 10.7%.
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