Excessive internet use and social support in adolescents

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to analyze excessive internet use, measure social support and find the relationship between them. In order to do this, literature analysis of other related studies was explored, theoretical and analytical framework was crafted to give perspective to the study. A purposive sampling technique on a Quantitative research design was employed. The study found existence of excessive internet use among adolescents in this study with a strong correlation between age as well as sex. The measurement of social support was critically done in two aspects, 1) providers of social support and 2) Types of social support. There was a strong correlation between excessive internet use and social support variables such as teachers, fathers, mothers, friends, emotional, instrumental, informational and evaluation (appraisal social support). The study also found strong correlation of the excessive internet use with some psychological variables such as emotional dysregulation, sensation-seeking and conduct problems. Elsewhere in the study, predictors of excessive internet use was gotten using the Decision Tree method. In conclusion, excessive internet use has the possibility to impair or stagnate the potentials of adolescents, especially older adolescents.