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Gender Differences in Internet Addiction among University Students in the Slovak Republic Republic

Publication at First Faculty of Medicine |
2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The internet is an integral part of today's life; therefore, the risk of internet addiction is very high. The current consequences of internet addiction are not comparable to those of other types of addiction.

However, internet addiction may be a serious problem in the future. For this reason, this issue should be addressed today.

AIMS: The primary objective of the study was to assess the differences in internet addiction between males and females in a sample of university students in the Slovak Republic. Differences were assessed in the total internet addiction score, as well as in the individual sub-scales of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) (Salience, Excessive Use, Neglect Work, Anticipation, Lack of Control, Neglect Social Life).

METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted in 2020. The objective of the study was mainly achieved using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test.

SAMPLE: The population was selected in the form of a non-random sample and consists of 1612 responses from students of Slovak universities. Data obtained using the standardized IAT scale was included in the analyses.

RESULTS: The overall rate of internet addiction in the research sample was not critical, while increased scores were found in the Neglect Work, Anticipation, and Lack of Control sub-scales. Significant differences were identified in the areas of Salience, Excessive Use, Neglect Work, and Neglect Social Life.

In general, male students showed a higher rate of internet addiction. CONCLUSIONS: Internet addiction in high-risk population groups should be systematically monitored.

The lifestyle of university students may be a predictor of these addictions, which may be a serious problem in the future.