Investigation of University Students' Internet Addiction Levels and Social Media Use Characteristics: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

The widespread use of the internet can cause internet addiction and technology-related cyber bullying behaviors, especially among young people, and this may lead to some academic and psychological problems. Peer awareness studies constitute an important part of research, information, intervention, and prevention efforts on this subject. The aim of the study was to examine the internet addiction levels and social media usage characteristics of university students. This study is the second stage of the İzmir Universities Platform Administration Era of Dokuz Eylul University (2019), Social Responsibility Project; Digital Citizenship: Do Not Be Addicted and Bully, Use the Internet Consciously and Safely. The sample of the study consisted of 1644 university students. The data were acquired through an Interview Form and Internet Addiction Scale. The research results revealed that Internet addiction was higher in male students than in female students, and the students who used the Internet more than 4 hours a day had high levels of loss of control, desire to stay online, and social relationship breakdowns. The students used the Internet mostly for social interaction/communication, listening to music, and watching movies rather than educational and academic purposes. The results of the study revealed the situation regarding internet usage among university students. According to this study data, the initiative and activities for university students to use the internet consciously will increase the awareness of young people and affect their usage behaviors in a positive way.