Problematic Internet Use of Adolescents: Role of Daily Hassles and Social Isolation

Abstract

Problematic Internet use not only has negative effects on adolescents' development and social lives but also may yield negative mental health outcomes. Taking into account that it may damage adolescents' school and family lives, it is clear that identifying and preventing factors associated with problematic Internet use is very important on both the individual and societal levels. The purpose of the present study was to explore the associations between problematic Internet use, daily hassles, and social isolation among high school students. The study group comprised high school students from various socioeconomic levels in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. Data were collected from 371 high school students: 189 female students (51%) and 180 male students (49%). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to determine variables predicting high school students' levels of problematic Internet use. The results showed that the variables of being ignored, exclusion, and daily hassles significantly predicted high school students' problematic Internet use. Suggestions were made in light of the current literature.