title: Characteristics of internet addiction/pathological internet use in U.S. university students: a qualitative-method investigation.
abstract: Studies have identified high rates and severe consequences of Internet Addiction/Pathological Internet Use (IA/PIU) in university students. However, most research concerning IA/PIU in U.S. university students has been conducted within a quantitative research paradigm, and frequently fails to contextualize the problem of IA/PIU. To address this gap, we conducted an exploratory qualitative study using the focus group approach and examined 27 U.S. university students who self-identified as intensive Internet users, spent more than 25 hours/week on the Internet for non-school or non-work-related activities and who reported Internet-associated health and/or psychosocial problems. Students completed two IA/PIU measures (Young's Diagnostic Questionnaire and the Compulsive Internet Use Scale) and participated in focus groups exploring the natural history of their Internet use; preferred online activities; emotional, interpersonal, and situational triggers for intensive Internet use; and health and/or psychosocial consequences of their Internet overuse. Students' self-reports of Internet overuse problems were consistent with results of standardized measures. Students first accessed the Internet at an average age of 9 (SD = 2.7), and first had a problem with Internet overuse at an average age of 16 (SD = 4.3). Sadness and depression, boredom, and stress were common triggers of intensive Internet use. Social media use was nearly universal and pervasive in participants' lives. Sleep deprivation, academic under-achievement, failure to exercise and to engage in face-to-face social activities, negative affective states, and decreased ability to concentrate were frequently reported consequences of intensive Internet use/Internet overuse. IA/PIU may be an underappreciated problem among U.S. university students and warrants additional research.
authors: School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America.
authors: Wen
authors: W
authors: Li
authors: School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America.
authors: Jennifer E
authors: JE
authors: O'Brien
authors: School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America.
authors: Susan M
authors: SM
authors: Snyder
authors: School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America.
authors: Matthew O
authors: MO
authors: Howard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D057566:Self Report; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
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