Individualism and internet addiction: the mediating role of psychological needs
Küçük Resim Yok
Tarih
2018
Yazarlar
Dergi Başlığı
Dergi ISSN
Cilt Başlığı
Yayıncı
Emerald Group Publishing Ltd
Erişim Hakkı
info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
Özet
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating role of psychological needs in the association between individualism and internet addiction. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method design was used by comprising of 602 college students' (70.3 percent women) responses obtained through the Individualism-Collectivism Survey, New Needs Assessment Questionnaire, and Internet Addiction Scale. Structural equation modeling techniques were used to investigate the theoretical relationships among the constructs. Constant comparative method was employed to analyze qualitative data that resulted from the transcription of semi-structured interviews with 12 field experts. Findings Quantitative results showed that individualism has a significant effect on internet addiction through affiliation, dominance, achievement, and autonomy (i.e. psychological needs). As students' needs for dominance, achievement, and autonomy increased their internet addiction levels decreased. However, increase in the need of affiliation led to increase in the likelihood of internet addiction. Qualitative findings suggested alternative ways to satisfy psychological needs in socially more proper ways. Originality/value Psychological needs and internet addiction have long been investigated both independently and in relation to each other. However, the investigation of espoused culture (i.e. individualism) in relation to psychological needs and internet addiction is relatively recent. A review of the recent literature showed that an investigation of the mediating role of psychological needs in the effect of individualism on internet addiction is highly original. Moreover, initial quantitative results and follow-up qualitative findings help the authors understand psychological needs underlying internet addiction and suggest socially more appropriate means to satisfy these needs. Findings have theoretical values for researchers as well as practical values for those who work with students.
Açıklama
Anahtar Kelimeler
Internet, Individualism, Espoused Culture, Internet Addiction, Psychological Needs
Kaynak
Internet Research
WoS Q Değeri
Q1
Scopus Q Değeri
Q1
Cilt
28
Sayı
2
