Predictors of Compulsive Internet Use among Students

One of the latest additions in industrial and post-industrial countries is the growing epidemic of compulsive internet use among young people. The present study aims to investigate the predictors of compulsive internet use among students. Parenting styles and personality types would be inculcated for analysis of the correlation of compulsive internet use. 120 male and 120 female students were selected for the study. Four questionnaires were used to collect data the compulsive internet use test general health questionnaire, five-factor Revised NEO Personality Inventory, and Parental Authority Questionnaire. The data were analysed through descriptive statistics such as mean, SD, t-test, correlation analysis, and regression. The findings showed that male students were more likely to be addicted to the internet as compared to female students. Mental health problems and personality traits like neuroticism were more likely to be associated with compulsive internet use. Openness, consciousness, extraversion, and permissive parenting styles were less associated with compulsive internet use. Prevention and intervention strategies have to support the increasing student’s mental health problems and wellness, which could mitigate compulsive internet use among students.