SavedAdd your journal

Journals / Uluslararası Rekreasyon ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 9 Sayı: 1

The Form of Happiness in the Digital Age: Examining the Effect of Internet Usage in Digital Leisure on Flow Experience

Dijital Çağda Mutluluk Formu: Dijital Serbest Zamanda İnternet Kullanımının Akış Deneyimine Etkisinin İncelenmesi

Batuhan Er(İSTANBUL AYDIN ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-4269-4149
Recep Cengız(MANİSA CELÂL BAYAR ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0003-4097-2237
Pages
29–44
Publication Date
2025-06-29
🏛️Bibliographic metadata and full text access for this article are provided via DergiPark.
DergiPark Record ↗
✨

AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

In addition, it was concluded that the purposes of digital leisure internet usage, social interaction and information/self improvement, were predictors of flow experience.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:The aim of this study is to examine the effect of internet usage on the flow experience of university students participating in digital leisure activities.
📊
Key Findings & Data:The demographic information form created by the researchers, the Leisure Internet Usage Scale (LIUS) developed by Şimşek and Çevik (2023), and the Digital Leisure Flow Experience Scale (DLFES) developed by Er and Cengiz (2023) were used as measurement tools.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:In addition, it was concluded that the purposes of digital leisure internet usage, social interaction and information/self improvement, were predictors of flow experience.
🔬Design:Modeling & Simulation
📍Scope:2023 Verileri
⚙️Variables:Serbest zaman · dijital serbest zaman · internet kullanımı

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of internet usage on the flow experience of university students participating in digital leisure activities. The study utilized the relational screening model, one of the quantitative research methods. The demographic information form created by the researchers, the Leisure Internet Usage Scale (LIUS) developed by Şimşek and Çevik (2023), and the Digital Leisure Flow Experience Scale (DLFES) developed by Er and Cengiz (2023) were used as measurement tools. When the findings were examined, no significant difference was found in leisure internet usage in terms of gender variable, while significant differences were found in terms of digital leisure flow experience. When the participants were examined in terms of digital device usage time, significant differences were found in terms of leisure internet usage, shopping and multimedia usage sub-dimensions, and digital leisure flow experience. A positive relationship was found between digital leisure internet use, social interaction and information/self improvement sub-dimensions, and flow experience. In addition, it was concluded that the purposes of digital leisure internet usage, social interaction and information/self improvement, were predictors of flow experience. The results obtained are examined comparatively with different studies in the discussion section.

Özet

Bu çalışmanın amacı dijital serbest zaman etkinliklerine katılan üniversite öğrencilerinin internet kullanımının akış deneyimine etkisinin incelenmesidir. Çalışmada nicel araştırma yöntemlerinden ilişkisel tarama modelinden yararlanılmıştır. Ölçüm aracı olarak araştırmacılar tarafından oluşturulan demografik bilgi formu, Şimşek ve Çevik (2023) tarafından geliştirilen Serbest Zaman İnternet Kullanım Ölçeği ile Er ve Cengiz (2023) tarafından geliştirilen Dijital Serbest Zaman Akış Deneyimi Ölçeği (DSZ-ADÖ) kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen bulgular incelendiğinde, cinsiyet değişkeni açısından serbest zaman internet kullanımında anlamlı farklılık tespit edilmezken, dijital serbest zaman akış deneyimi açısından anlamlı farklılıklar tespit edilmiştir. Katılımcıların dijital cihaz kullanım süresi açısından incelendiğinde ise serbest zaman internet kullanımı alışveriş ve çoklu medya kaynağı alt boyutları ve dijital serbest zaman akış deneyimi açısından anlamlı farklılıklar saptanmıştır. Dijital serbest zamanda internet kullanımı sosyal etkileşim ve bilgi edinme/kişisel gelişim alt boyutları ile akış deneyimi arasında pozitif yönlü bir ilişki tespit edilmiştir. Bununla birlikte dijital serbest zamanda internet kullanımı sosyal etkileşim ve bilgi edinme amaçlarının akış deneyiminin yordayıcısı olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlar farklı çalışmalarla birlikte tartışma bölümünde karşılaştırmalı şekilde incelenmektedir.

🔖

Cite This Article

Er, B., Cengız, R. (2025). The Form of Happiness in the Digital Age: Examining the Effect of Internet Usage in Digital Leisure on Flow Experience. Uluslararası Rekreasyon ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, Cilt: 9 Sayı: 1, 29–44. https://doi.org/10.46463/ijrss.1608338

📄 Full Text PDF Viewer

📄

PDF görüntüleyici hazırlanıyor...

References (76)

  1. Allaby, M., & Shannon, C. S. (2020). “I just want to keep in touch”: Adolescents’ experiences with leisure-related smartphone use. Journal of Leisure Research, 51(3), 245–263. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222216.2019.1574542
  2. Aghasi, M., Matinfar, A., Golzarand, M., Salari-Moghaddam, A., & Ebrahimpour-Koujan, S. (2020). Internet use in relation to overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies. Advances in Nutrition, 11(2), 349–356. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmz098
  3. Blanco, A. V. (2015). The transformation of leisure in the digital age. in Social media and social movements: the transformation of communication patterns (pp. 165–179). Lanham: Lexington Books.
  4. Brailovskaia, J., Schillack, H., & Margraf, J. (2020). Tell me why are you using social media (SM)! Relationship between reasons for use of SM, SM flow, daily stress, depression, anxiety, and addictive SM use – An exploratory investigation of young adults in Germany. Computers in Human Behavior, 113, 106511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2020.106511
  5. Bujała, A. (2012). Gender differences in Internet usage. Acta Universitatis Lodziensis. Folia Sociologica, (43), 49–67.
  6. Chang, L. C., Dattilo, J., & Huang, F. H. (2023). Digital leisure among older adults: Connections to social support, flow, and social inclusion. Leisure Sciences, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2023.2191873
  7. Chen, H., Wigand, R. T., & Nilan, M. (2000). Exploring web users’ optimal flow experiences. Information Technology & People, 13(4), 263–281. https://doi.org/10.1108/09593840010359473
  8. Chen, J., & Wang, Y. (2021). Social media use for health purposes: Systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(5), e17917. https://doi.org/10.2196/17917
  9. Choi, S., & Lehto, X. Y. (2009). Internet use as a leisure pastime: Older adults’ subjective well-being and its correlates. International Journal of Tourism Sciences, 9(3), 49–72.
  10. Coker, B. L. (2011). Freedom to surf: The positive effects of workplace Internet leisure browsing. New Technology, Work and Employment, 26(3), 238–247. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-005X.2011.00269.x
  11. Coker, B. L. (2013). Workplace internet leisure browsing. Human Performance, 26(2), 114–125.https://doi.org/10.1080/08959285.2013.765877
  12. Cuevas, L., Lyu, J., & Lim, H. (2021). Flow matters: Antecedents and outcomes of flow experience in social search on Instagram. Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing, 15(1), 49–67. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRIM-08-2020-0161 Doshi, D., Sukhabogi, J. R., Kumari, V. S., & Reddy, Y. P. (2024). Impact of self-reported leisure Internet usage on social interactions. Journal of Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences University, 19(1), 57–65.
  13. Esteban-Millat, I., Martínez-López, F. J., Huertas-García, R., Meseguer, A., & Rodríguez-Ardura, I. (2014). Modelling students' flow experiences in an online learning environment. Computers & Education, 71, 111–123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2013.09.012
  14. Er, B., & Cengiz, R. (2022). Purposes of participation in digital leisure activities: A scale development study. International Journal of Bozok Sports Sciences, 3(3), 11–28.
  15. Er, B. (2023). Examining flow experience and leisure satisfaction in digital leisure activities (Doctoral dissertation). Manisa: Celal Bayar University, Institute of Social Sciences.
  16. Er, B., & Cengiz, R. (2023b). Digital leisure flow experience: A scale development study. SPORMETRE Journal of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, 21(2), 48–62. https://doi.org/10.33689/spormetre.1259344
  17. Er, B., & Cengiz, R. (2023a). The effect of digital leisure participation purposes on flow experience and leisure satisfaction. Journal of ROL Sport Sciences, 544–565.
  18. Gallistl, V., & Nimrod, G. (2020). Media-based leisure and wellbeing: A study of older Internet users. Leisure Studies, 39(2), 251–265. https://doi.org/10.1080/02614367.2019.1701474
  19. Gao, L., Gan, Y., Whittal, A., & Lippke, S. (2020). Problematic internet use and perceived quality of life: Findings from a cross-sectional study investigating work-time and leisure-time internet use. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(11), 4056. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17114056
  20. Gellmers, J., & Yan, N. (2023). Digital leisure engagement and positive outcomes in the workplace: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(2), 1014. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021014
  21. Heo, J., Kim, J., & Won, Y. S. (2011). Exploring the relationship between internet use and leisure satisfaction among older adults. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 35(1), 43–54. https://doi.org/10.1080/01924788.2011.545970
  22. Ho, C. H., & Cho, Y. H. (2024). Social media as a pathway to leisure: Digital leisure culture among new mothers with young children in Taiwan. Leisure Sciences, 46(4), 532–550. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2023.2256492
  23. Hsu, C. L., Chang, K. C., & Chen, M. C. (2012). Flow experience and internet shopping behavior: Investigating the moderating effect of consumer characteristics. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 29(3), 317–332. https://doi.org/10.1002/sres.1102
  24. Huang, L., Liang, X., Li, L., Xiao, H., & Xie, F. (2023). The impact of internet use on the well-being of rural residents. Agriculture, 13(7), 1462. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13071462
  25. Hyun, H., Thavisay, T., & Lee, S. H. (2022). Enhancing the role of flow experience in social media usage and its impact on shopping. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 65, 102492. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2021.102492
  26. Iemtom, P. (2019). Students’ self-evaluation of English improvement through internet usage for learning purposes. Journal of Community Development Research (Humanities and Social Sciences), 12(1), 25–35.
  27. Kaas, E. T., & Uğur, S. (2017). Leisure participation, internet addiction and leisure boredom in university students. Journal of Educational and Instructional Studies in the World, 7(4), 38–47.
  28. Kausar, N., Ashraf, S., Khan, D. M. M., Khan, D. M. M., & Mehmood, S. (2021). Workplace internet leisure and employee productivity: Mediating role of employee engagement. The Journal of Contemporary Issues in Business and Government, 27(3), 2445–2460.
  29. Kaur, P., Dhir, A., Chen, S., & Rajala, R. (2016). Flow in context: Development and validation of the flow experience instrument for social networking. Computers in Human Behavior, 59, 358–367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.02.039
  30. Kaye, L. K. (2016). Exploring flow experiences in cooperative digital gaming contexts. Computers in Human Behavior, 55, 286–291. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.09.030
  31. Kim, S. Y., Kim, M. S., Park, B., Kim, J. H., & Choi, H. G. (2018). Lack of sleep is associated with internet use for leisure. PLOS ONE, 13(1), e0191713. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0191713
  32. Kim, M. (2022). How can I be as attractive as a fitness YouTuber in the era of COVID-19? The impact of digital attributes on flow experience, satisfaction, and behavioral intention. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 64, 102778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2021.102778
  33. Lamberti, G., López-Sintas, J., & Lopez Belbeze, P. (2023). The impact of internet use on leisure: Gender and age heterogeneity in young people. Journal of Leisure Research, 54(5), 581–601. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222216.2023.2176342
  34. Leung, L. (2020). Exploring the relationship between smartphone activities, flow experience, and boredom in free time. Computers in Human Behavior, 103, 130–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2019.09.030
  35. Ludvík, E., Łukasz, T., Milan, K., Mária, P., & Gabriela, P. (2020). How do first year university students use ICT in their leisure time and for learning purposes? International Journal of Cognitive Research in Science, Engineering and Education, 8(2), 35–52. https://doi.org/10.23947/2334-8496-2020-8-2-35-52
  36. Mak, M. T. F., Wang, M., & Chu, K. W. S. (2019). Effects of a gamified learning platform on elementary school students' flow experiences in leisure reading. Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology, 56(1), 454–458. https://doi.org/10.1002/pra2.52
  37. Mei, Y., & Lin, N. (2023). Internet use and the happiness of rural residents: The role of education and health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(4), 3540. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043540
  38. Moñino-García, M., Ballesta, M., Huerta, J. M., Correa-Rodríguez, J. F., Cabrera-Castro, N., Llorens, N., & Chirlaque- López, M. D. (2024). The adolescent problem gambling prevalence associated with leisure-time activities and risky behaviors in Southern Spain. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 22(3), 1662–1676. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-022-00936-9
  39. Nimrod, G., & Adoni, H. (2012). Conceptualizing e-leisure. Loisir et Société / Society and Leisure, 35(1), 31–56. https://doi.org/10.7202/1011651ar
  40. Novak, T. P., & Hoffman, D. L. (1997). Measuring the flow experience among web users. Interval Research Corporation, 31(1), 1–35.
  41. Ono, H., & Zavodny, M. (2003). Gender and the Internet. Social Science Quarterly, 84(1), 111–121. https://doi.org/10.1111/1540-6237.8401007
  42. Özkara, B. Y., Özmen, M., & Kim, J. W. (2017). Examining the effect of flow experience on online purchase: A novel approach to the flow theory based on hedonic and utilitarian value. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 37, 119–131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2017.04.004
  43. Pelet, J. É., Ettis, S., & Cowart, K. (2017). Optimal experience of flow enhanced by telepresence: Evidence from social media use. Information & Management, 54(1), 115–128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2016.06.008
  44. Pilke, E. M. (2004). Flow experiences in information technology use. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 61(3), 347–357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2003.12.001
  45. Renuka, S., & Gurunathan, D. (2017). Usage of internet for academic purposes by undergraduate students. Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education and Research, 7(1), 18–21.
  46. Saleh, E. F. (2024). Adolescent socialization in the digital age: The role of internet usage and social networks (pp. 66–98). India: P B International.
  47. Shahpasandi, F., Zarei, A., & Nikabadi, M. S. (2020). Consumers’ impulse buying behavior on Instagram: Examining the influence of flow experiences and hedonic browsing on impulse buying. Journal of Internet Commerce, 19(4), 437–465. https://doi.org/10.1080/15332861.2020.1814883
  48. Sintas, J. L., Rojas de Francisco, L., & García-Álvarez, E. (2017a). Home-based digital leisure. World Leisure Journal, 59(sup1), 86–92. https://doi.org/10.1080/16078055.2017.1383728
  49. Sintas, J. L., Rojas de Francisco, L., & García-Álvarez, E. (2017b). Home-based digital leisure: Doing the same leisure activities, but digital. Cogent Social Sciences, 3(1), 1309741. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2017.1309741
  50. Sintas, J. L., López Belbeze, M. P., & Lamberti, G. (2023). Socially patterned strategic complementarity between offline leisure activities and internet practices among young people. Leisure Sciences, 45(1), 24–45. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2022.2041437
  51. Spracklen, K. (2015). Digital leisure, the internet and popular culture: Communities and identities in a digital age. London: Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137405870
  52. Stavropoulos, V., Alexandraki, K., & Motti-Stefanidi, F. (2013). Flow and telepresence contributing to internet abuse: Differences according to gender and age. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(5), 1941–1948. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.03.011
  53. Sultana, R., & Imtiaz, A. (2018). Gender difference in internet usage pattern: A study on university students of Bangladesh. Scholars Journal of Economics, Business and Management, 5(5), 413–421.
  54. Sui, M., Ding, H., Xu, B., & Zhou, M. (2022). The impact of internet use on the happiness of Chinese civil servants: A mediation analysis based on self-rated health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(20), 13142. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013142
  55. Sun, Y., Gao, J., Zhang, X., & Cheng, Y. (2023). The impact of internet use on residents’ happiness in China. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1188259. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1188259
  56. Şimşek, K. Y., & Çevik, H. (2023). The development and validation of the Leisure Internet Usage Scale (LIUS). Leisure Studies, 43(1), 76–88. https://doi.org/10.1080/02614367.2023.2205426
  57. Şimşek, K. Y. (2024). Internet usage habits for leisure among generation XYZ. GSI Journals Serie A: Advancements in Tourism Recreation and Sports Sciences, 7(1), 301–313.
  58. Takatalo, J., Häkkinen, J., & Nyman, G. (2015). Understanding presence, involvement, and flow in digital games. In K. A. Lawson (Ed.), Game user experience evaluation (pp. 87–111). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15985-0_5
  59. Thanuskodi, S. (2013). Gender differences in internet usage among college students: A comparative study. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 1052, 1–13. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/1052
  60. Thatcher, A., Wretschko, G., & Fridjhon, P. (2008). Online flow experiences, problematic Internet use and Internet procrastination. Computers in Human Behavior, 24(5), 2236-2254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2007.10.008
  61. Valtchanov, B. L., & Parry, D. C. (2016). "I like my peeps": Diversifying the Net Generation's digital leisure. Leisure Sciences, 39(4), 336–354. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2016.1189360
  62. Viklund, E. W., & Forsman, A. K. (2022). Exploring the nuanced links between internet use and subjective well-being among older adults: A Nordic population-based study. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, Article 797269. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.797269
  63. Voiskounsky, A. E. (2012). Flow experience in internet-mediated environments. In M. I. Bosnjak (Ed.), Motivation, consciousness and self-regulation (pp. 1-20). Nova Science.
  64. Yang, S., Lu, Y., Wang, B., & Zhao, L. (2014). The benefits and dangers of flow experience in high school students' internet usage: The role of parental support. Computers in Human Behavior, 41, 504-513. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.09.039
  65. Yang, J. C., & Quadir, B. (2018). Individual differences in an English learning achievement system: Gaming flow experience, gender differences and learning motivation. Technology, Pedagogy and Education, 27(3), 351-366. https://doi.org/10.1080/1475939X.2018.1460612
  66. Yao, S., Xie, L., & Chen, Y. (2023). Effect of active social media use on flow experience: Mediating role of academic self-efficacy. Education and Information Technologies, 28(5), 5833-5848. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-11568-9
  67. Zhou, R., Fong, P. S., & Tan, P. (2014). Internet use and its impact on engagement in leisure activities in China. PLOS ONE, 9(2), Article e89598. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0089598
  68. Zhou, D., Wu, L., Huang, J., Lv, G., Tang, C., & Yang, X. (2024). Enhancing user experience on social media platforms: A flow theory-based approach. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2024.1234567
  69. Wang, C. C., Chen, C. F., & Chen, C. T. (2015). Exploring the different aspects of Internet leisure use by college students. Information Development, 31(1), 5-12. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266666913514223
  70. Wang, W. C. (2019). Exploring the relationship among free-time management, leisure boredom, and internet addiction in undergraduates in Taiwan. Psychological Reports, 122(5), 1651-1665. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033294118789031
  71. Wang, L., & Wang, S. (2020). The influence of flow experience on online consumers' information searching behavior: An empirical study of Chinese college students. Data and Information Management, 4(4), 250-257. https://doi.org/10.2478/dim-2020-0016
  72. Wasserman, I. M., & Richmond-Abbott, M. (2005). Gender and the Internet: Causes of variation in access, level, and scope of use. Social Science Quarterly, 86(1), 252-270. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0038-4941.2005.00298.x
  73. Wei, X., Huang, S., Stodolska, M., & Yu, Y. (2015). Leisure time, leisure activities, and happiness in China: Evidence from a national survey. Journal of Leisure Research, 47(5), 556-576. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222216.2015.11950372
  74. Xu, Y., Wang, Y., Khan, A., & Zhao, R. (2021). Consumer flow experience of senior citizens in using social media for online shopping. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, Article 732104. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.732104
  75. Xu, J., Gong, J., & Ji, D. (2023). Exploring the determinants of users' co-creation behavior on music streaming platforms in China. PLOS ONE, 18(12), Article e0291313. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0291313
  76. We Are Social. (2024). Digital 2024. https://wearesocial.com/uk/blog/2024/01/digital-2024/