Internet as an important environmental factor in the population of adolescents

Abstract

Objectives:Researches have shown that using the Internet and social networks can change normal and healthy growing-up. The aim of our study was to investigate relationship between time spent on Internet, on FB, and playing sports on one hand, and problematic Internet use (PIU) on the other hand. Materials and methods:The study sample was recruited from 48 schools and included 2113 adolescents (56% girls). Their mean age was 16.73. The Internet Use Disorder Scale (IUDS; α=0.944) was administered. These scale measure PIU and higher scores indicating greater Internet use-related difficulties. A questionnaire with questions about Internet and FB use and about sports activities was also used. Results:The average score on the scale IUDS was 37.72 ± 14.11. There was a positive correlation between the time spent on the Internet and score on the IUDS (r = 0.05; p< 0.05), as well as the time spent on FB and score on the IUDS (r = 0.26; p< 0.05). On the other hand there was inverse relationship betvean time of sports activities and PIU (r = - 0.59; p<0.05). Conclusion:The Internet is an important environmental factor in the population of adolescents. Adolescents spend a worryingly large percent of their free time on the Internet.