A Research On Causes Of Internet Addiction Disorder In College Students In Shanghai

The study investigates the reasons behind Internet Addiction Disorder in college studentsfrom social environment and psychological perspective, and attempts to identify the factorsinvolved in this behavior for preventative purposes through questionnaire surveys. Three hundredeighty-six college students in Shanghai were surveyed though answering Family EnvironmentScale, Social Support Scale, Y-G Personality Inventory and Causes of Internet Addiction Disorderfor College Students designed by ourselves and so on, with an emphasis on factors from familyand the university. The results showed eight main findings. Differences in sex, major and age hadno significant bearing between addicts and non-addicts. There was a significant difference in timespent on the Internet between addicts and non-addicts, motivation for using the Internet, and theexperience gained. There was a clear link between family environment and affinity towardsaddiction, including control, achievement orientation and organization as well as parenting styleand the degree of satisfaction towards their own family. Significant factors at university wereidentified as student-teacher relationships, student-student relationships, motivation to study,hierarchy in class, support of teacher and extracurricular entertainment in university. The supportof friends was an important determining factor in Internet Addiction Disorder. There was asignificant link between Internet Addiction Disorder and personality. Internet addicts tended tohave poor self-esteem and had fewer hobbies and pastimes than individuals not addicted to theInternet. Limitations inherent in the current study and suggestions for improvement were offeredfor future possible studies.