Internet Addiction and its Effects on Psychological Well-Being

This study examined people with Internet addictive behaviors and their overall psychological well-being. Questionnaires regarding Internet usage, levels of depression and self-esteem were completed by 120 college students. They were also presented with one of two scenarios depicting a student displaying non-addicted Internet behaviors or one displaying addicted behaviors. Findings show that the addicted scenario character was perceived as having higher levels of depression. Findings also show that people with higher levels of Internet addiction are more likely to have higher levels of depression. These findings demonstrate that Internet addiction is associated with a decline in psychological well-being