Impact of Mobile Game Addiction Tendency on Chinese University Students: A Hierarchical Linear Modeling Study

This study used hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) to investigate the differences in mobile game addiction tendencies among universities (i.e., double first-class universities, ordinary colleges and universities, and higher vocational colleges), and to examine the influencing factors of mobile game addiction tendency at the individual and university levels. The participants of this study were 4,024 college students who completed the Chinese Mobile Phone Game Addiction Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Positive and Negative Affect Scale. Loneliness (β = 0.052), positive emotions (β = −0.126), negative emotions (β = 0.232), and double first-class universities (γ = 0.368) significantly predicted mobile game addiction tendencies. A significant cross-level interaction between double first-class universities and other factors (i.e., positive emotions, negative emotions, and mobile game addiction) was observed. The novelty of this study is that it distinguishes the various effects of mobile phone addiction tendency at the individual and university levels.

The relationship between internet addiction and risky health behaviors in university students: A cross-sectional study in Turkey

PURPOSE

The study was carried out to determine the relationship between internet addiction and risky health behaviors in university students.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The study, which is cross-sectional research, was conducted with 606 university students in the 2019-2020 academic year and used face-to-face interviews.

FINDINGS

It was determined that 7.15% of the students had internet addiction with limited symptoms. A positive and significant relationship was found between internet addiction and risky health behaviors (p < 0.05).

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

To reduce internet addiction and risky health behaviors, counseling, planning peer education programs, and creating an environment where students can express themselves should be provided. It is also recommended that students develop relationships with their social environment and participate in social activities.

Why Are Turkish University Students Addicted to the Internet? A Moderated Mediation Model

Internet addiction has become a significant problem that primarily affects young people. It has an essential effect on the individual's self-perception and assessment of their competencies. This study aimed to reveal whether there is a significant relationship between the level of internet addiction of university students and their age and self-esteem. For this purpose, internet addiction and self-esteem scales were used in addition to questions such as age, gender, the purpose of internet use, and internet daily usage time. We used a quantitative research method to obtain cross-sectional data from 400 Turkish young people using online surveys. Correlation, regression, mediation, and moderation analyses were performed using SPSS and the PROCESS macro plugin for data analysis. Internet addiction was significantly associated with self-esteem, gender, age, and daily internet usage. In addition, we discovered that self-esteem and daily usage time played a mediation role in the effect of the age variable on internet addiction. Moreover, the moderation roles of social networks, gender, and location in the impact of self-esteem on internet addiction were determined. With this study, we understood that as age increases, self-esteem triggers the decrease of internet addiction. In this sense, policies should be developed to increase self-esteem among young people to ensure the conscious use of the internet.

How does Internet Addiction Affect Adolescent Lifestyles? Results from a School-Based Study in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey

PURPOSE

The habits acquired during adolescence may continue into adulthood. Therefore, the identification and prevention of Internet addiction is an important goal. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Internet addiction on the lifestyles of adolescents in a sample in the Mediterranean region of Turkey.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The sample consisted of 367 adolescents. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Internet Addiction Scale, and the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours Scale-II between January and June 2018. This manuscript has been prepared according to Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.

RESULTS

The mean Internet addiction score among the included adolescents was found to be moderate. Males aged 17 years with divorced parents and adolescents who have poor relationships with family members and friends had higher average Internet addiction scores. A negative and moderate relationship between Internet addiction and healthy lifestyle behaviours was identified among adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS

Internet addiction is negatively and moderately predictive of an adolescent's lifestyle.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Strengthening relationships with family and friends can prevent adolescents from developing Internet addictions and increase healthy lifestyle behaviours. Courses should be added to the curriculum that aim to improve the understanding of the risks and benefits (e.g. e-mail, Internet tools) associated with the Internet for both school staff and students. The results of the present study can be used to guide the development of a healthy Internet use program targeted at adolescents for use by school nurses.