A Study of Internet Addiction Among Students of Sekolah Essay Example

sample for this study consisted of 120 students from Seakale Meghan Sebastian Jennies Pie Yuan Kampala. The research utilized a tool called Internet Addiction Test (AT) to measure the level of internet addiction among the participants.

The study examined demographic factors such as age, gender, and grade level among SMOKE Pie Yuan students. Data analysis involved the use of descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically Chi-square and T-tests. The results indicate that internet addiction is at a moderate to minimal level among these students. Furthermore, a significant difference in internet addiction was observed between genders (t (118) = 2.380, p = 0.019). However, there was no significant correlation between internet addiction among lower and upper secondary students at SMOKE Pie Yuan in Kampala (xx (1, n = 120) = 0.306).

Awareness of the problem of internet addiction is recommended to prevent its growth.

The internet has become an essential aspect of our daily lives. It is used for various online activities like schoolwork, gaming, emailing, and chatting. According to the National Center of Education Statistics (Mythic, Quo and Winslow, 2008), a considerable number of children and teenagers in the United States aged 5 to 17 have early access to the internet. Young (2006) stated that the internet significantly impacts our day-to-day schedules as numerous individuals opt to spend their leisure time participating in online communities.

According to the Ministry of Information and Communication (2005), around 95% of teenagers use the internet, suggesting that they see it as a real environment rather than just virtual. Young (2006) agrees and says that the internet has both positive and negative aspects. While it offers many benefits for individuals, it

can also be misused. Additionally, research by OK et al. (2006) shows that internet and computer usage has become popular worldwide but has also had negative effects on certain people and society in general.

According to Young (1996), internet addiction is similar to addiction to gambling, drugs, and alcohol. Wideband & Anchorman (2004) elaborate on how defining the concept of addiction can be difficult as it varies depending on the substance or activity. The traits of dependence include excessive indulgence, tolerance, withdrawal, craving, and loss of control. Behavioral addiction has expanded and is now associated with the use of machines such as playing video games, using computers, and playing amusement machines.

Behavioral addictions, such as internet addiction, are primarily driven by psychological rather than physiological factors (Mythic, Quo & Winslow, 2008). The increasing attention given to internet addiction is due to its controversial nature and the belief that a new form of compulsive behavior is emerging. Achebe, Kong & Lie (n. D.) argue that easy access to computers and online information has led to the contemporary problem of internet addiction. In essence, internet addiction can be classified as an impulse disorder.

Moreover, certain characteristics of this issue bear resemblance to those seen in pathological gambling. According to Arrack (1999), individuals who experience feelings of boredom, loneliness, shyness, depression, and other dependencies are at risk of developing internet addiction (as cited in Achebe, Kong & Lie, n. D.). Achebe, Kong & Lie (n. D.) have asserted that individuals who exhibit internet addiction may develop various types of disorders, with Internet Addiction Disorder (IDA) being a prevalent condition in the modern era.

People with IDA may exhibit

symptoms resembling those of individuals addicted to alcohol, gambling, shopping, or other compulsive behaviors. The primary approaches for treating this disorder include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET). Young (1998) identified seven factors that contribute to IDA: dissatisfaction in marriage, stress related to work, financial problems, feelings of insecurity, anxiety, difficulties in life, and limited social interactions (as cited in Achebe, Kong & Lie, n.d.).

Various studies have been conducted on internet usage and addiction. Egger and Returnable created a questionnaire to evaluate the usage, feelings, and experiences associated with internet use. This questionnaire received 454 responses, with 10% of them classified as addicted. Another survey, the Internet Usage Survey, was conducted by Brenner and received 563 responses. This survey consisted of a 32-item true-false questionnaire. Additionally, Petri and Gun conducted an online study that included 27 questions on participants' internet use, attitudes, and beliefs. This study resulted in 455 valid responses.

According to the findings, 46.1% of respondents classified themselves as addicted to the internet. They also completed two additional assessments: Beck's Depression Inventory and Essence's Introversion/ Extroversion Scale. Both assessments revealed a correlation between high internet usage and symptoms of depression and introversion. The Internet Addiction Test (AT) developed by Young, consisting of 20 items, was used as the latest and more systematically designed version (Wideband ; Anchorman, 2004).

The term "addiction" does not appear in the most recent version of the ADSM - IV according to the American Psychiatric Association (1995) (as cited as Achebe, Kong ; Lie, n. . ). Another study by Mythic, Quo and Winslow (2008) also mentions that internet addiction is not a ADSM-IV diagnosis

yet. However, in 1998, Young proposed a set of criteria for diagnosing internet addiction based on the ADSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling. Out of ten criteria, Young selected eight that she felt can be most readily applied to internet use:

1. Preoccupation of the internet.
2. A need for increased time spent online to achieve the same amount of satisfaction.
3. Repeated efforts to curtail internet use.
4. Feel irritability, depression, or mood ability when internet use is limited.
5. Staying online longer than anticipated.
6. Putting Job or relationship in Jeopardy to use the internet.
7. Lying to others about how much time is spent online.

According to Yellowness ; Marks (2005), individuals who meet five out of the eight criteria would be classified as internet dependent for using the internet as a way to regulate their mood.

Salaam ; Hashish (2009) state that Internet usage in Malaysia began in 1992, initially offering basic browsing and email capabilities. However, it has since evolved into a medium for creative information sharing. The internet now rivals traditional sources like radio and television, being regarded as a significant source of information alongside newspapers. In Malaysia, female internet users have effectively utilized information and communications technology (ACT) to overcome various hurdles such as gender discrimination, disabilities, and job hunting by facilitating remote work opportunities.

According to Sanders (2005), the percentage of Internet users in Malaysia has increased and reached 51.4%. This indicates that women in Malaysia are becoming a significant presence in terms of Internet usage. Hoffman et al. (2004) discovered that the

rate of Internet adoption has surpassed previous mass communication systems by a large margin, as cited by Salaam & Hashish (2009). However, Wong (2010) argues that internet addiction is already a crisis in many developed countries and believes it is also affecting young people in Malaysia, predicting that the situation will worsen over time.

Wong suggests that the Health Ministry in Malaysia collaborate with psychologists to implement an internet rehabilitation program for addicts to reintegrate into society. The increasing usage of the internet has led to a rise in internet addiction among users from various backgrounds, impacting important aspects such as school, family, work, and relationships. In 2007, it was reported that 20% of the world's population (which was 6 billion at that time) used the internet, showing a significant increase of 265.6% (Canaan et al., 2009). Among adolescents, there is a prevalence ranging from 11.67% to 19.8% who have developed an addiction to internet use. This addiction indirectly affects their psychological well-being, peer and family interaction, and academic performance (OK et al., 2005). Singapore is a multicultural city-state with over 3.5 million people and a literacy rate of 95.4%, according to Mythic et al., (2008).

The findings indicate that internet usage is now widespread across various age groups in Singapore. Among individuals aged 10 to 14, 84% are using the internet. Similarly, among individuals aged 15 to 59, the percentage of internet users is at 64%. Even among Singaporeans aged 60 and above, there is a substantial number of internet users with a rate of 21%. In terms of households, the majority (78%) own at least one computer, whether it's a desktop or laptop.

Additionally, most households (71%) have internet access at home. Significantly, approximately 61% of people engage in popular online leisure activities such as playing/downloading games, listening to music, or watching films.

According to a study conducted by Canaan, Gunter ; Canaan (2009), the internet usage rate in Turkey was 22.5% of the total population of 70.6 billion in 2007, showing a significant increase of 700% from 2000 to 2007. Another study by Kickback, Oddballs ; Collar (2008) reported that the number of internet users in Turkey reached around 20 million at the end of 2007 and rose to 26 million by September 2008. Additionally, Juju et al. (2008) discovered that approximately 19.8% of adolescents in Taiwan face internet addiction issues, which have negative impacts on their daily routines, school performance, family relationships, and mood.

Research on internet addiction has been conducted in different countries, such as western countries, Turkey, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, and more. However, the extent of internet addiction among adolescents in Malaysia remains unknown due to limited research. This study is important because it aims to investigate the severity of internet addiction in today's society with a specific focus on secondary school students. The internet is crucial for users to obtain information that is relevant to their current tasks.

The internet is now utilized not only for seeking information but also for leisure activities, which raises concerns about the potential rise of internet addiction. It is crucial to evaluate the severity of this addiction and take necessary measures. This research focuses on examining the level of internet addiction among school students and investigating its adverse effects.

The significance of these studies lies

in raising awareness about internet addiction among different individuals, including parents and teachers. This research offers valuable insights into the symptoms, impact, and consequences of internet addiction. Its main objective is to examine how internet addiction can potentially affect the academic performance of secondary school students.

According to Gong (2005), internet addiction adversely affects students' academic performance (as cited in Young, 2006). Moreover, it hampers their academic performance. This study has two main objectives: firstly, to assess the extent of internet addiction among secondary school students; and secondly, to conduct the study on students from SMOKE Pie Yuan Sampan.

The second purpose of this study is to examine the level of internet addiction among students and determine whether there is a gender difference in internet addiction. Another objective is to investigate if there is a distinction in internet addiction between lower and upper secondary school students in SMOKE Pie Yuan Kampala. The research questions are as follows: 1. What is the level of internet addiction among students of SMOKE Pie Yuan, Kampala? 2. Is there a difference in internet addiction based on gender among students of SMOKE Pie Yuan, Kampala? 3. Is there a significant association between internet addiction and the level of study among lower and upper secondary school students in SMOKE Pie Yuan, Kampala?

Souls, Shell, ; Kleenex (2003) concluded that addiction can be defined as a compulsive, uncontrollable dependence on a substance, habit, or practice to such a degree that cessation causes severe emotional, mental, or physiologic reactions. Moseys Medical, Nursing ; Allied Health Dictionary defines addiction in a similar way. According to Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, addiction is a dependence

on a behavior or substance that a person is powerless to stop. Furthermore, Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary defines compulsion as an irresistible impulse to perform an irrational act and addiction as a compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance.

The term addiction has been partially replaced by the word dependence for substance abuse (p. 64). Internet addiction, as defined by the Center for Internet Addiction Recovery, refers to a compulsive behavior involving the internet that disrupts normal functioning and causes stress for both the addicts and their loved ones (Pad ; Cunningham, 2010). Wolfe (2000) argues that internet addiction is a product of the media, while Boogie (2004) suggests that it is a dysfunctional pattern of internet use.

The term "honeymoon" refers to the excessive time people spend online, resulting in negative impacts on their social and financial well-being. Lower secondary school, also known as compulsory education for children aged 12 to 15, is primarily offered by public schools established and operated by municipalities under national guidelines and legislation (Smith, 1999). The ideology of lower secondary education follows a classical, subject-centered approach with a curriculum design that emphasizes individual subjects.

The preferred pedagogy is focused on objects and includes the use of textbooks and teacher-prepared worksheets. There are fewer opportunities for fieldwork. The teachers in upper secondary school have specialist characteristics and are primarily trained (Tiburon & Williams, 1997). Upper secondary education, according to Lee (2002), begins in Secondary Year Four and Secondary Year Five and represents a shift from an elitist to a universal or mass secondary education system in Malaysia.

Furthermore, this paper highlights the importance of implementing effective measures to ensure

that widening access to education leads to real access. It is also crucial that access to education improves both equality and quality of education, as noted by -ran (2010). Additionally, Plaint, Bernard, and Coercible (2006) state that Internet addiction can be present in individuals of any age and social background. However, research primarily focuses on adolescents due to their vulnerability to addiction during this stage.

According to research conducted by Van Rookie and Van den Joined (2007), internet usage has become a popular leisure-time activity among adolescents in Western societies. In the Netherlands, adolescents aged 11 to 15 use the internet for leisure activities, and those aged 14 and older consider it a more important leisure-time activity than watching TV (as cited in Van den Joined, Spenserian, Overrules, Van Rookie and Engel's, 2009). Older adolescents are found to be more dependent on the internet compared to younger ones according to Line, Line and Www (2009). Moreover, recent studies have revealed that worldwide 19. % of adolescents suffer from internet addiction which is also associated with hostility (OK, Yen, Lie Hang and Yen, 2009). Preteens and teens make up the first generation that grew up with widespread internet access. The marketer (2004) states that in the United States alone preteens and teens online increased from 26.6 million in 2000 to 34.3 million in 2003 with nearly half of all youngsters being online (as cited in Line & You, 2008). However recently Forrester Research survey (2005) discovered that consumers between ages of12-17 spend an average of almost eleven hours per week online.

In 2008, a survey conducted by the Taiwan Network Information Center found that there were

15 million internet users in Taiwan. Among them, approximately 2.86 million were under the age of 20. The study revealed that the age groups most engaged in online activities were individuals aged 12 to 15 years old, with a usage rate of 98%, and those aged 16 to 20 years old, with a usage rate of95.6% (as cited in Line & You,2008). Another research conducted by Plaint,Bernard,and Coercible's in2006 involved275 students with an average ageof about16.67 ±1.5 years.The findings indicated that about5.4%ofthe participants exhibited symptoms of internet addiction, with males comprising approximately52.4%and females making up roughly47.6%.

Research indicates that internet usage in Italy has been slower to spread compared to other countries. However, a study by the China Internet Network Information Center (2006) found that out of 123 million people in China who have gone online, around 14.9% are teenagers under the age of 18. This particular study suggests that Chinese adolescents face significant mental health concerns due to internet addiction. Another research conducted by Chou and Hoist reveals that college students in Taiwan have an incidence rate of internet addiction at 5.9%. Moreover, references not explicitly mentioned highlight that according to Cacao, Us, Lie and Gao's investigation (2007), approximately 10% of Chinese college students suffer from internet addiction.

Chem. et al. (2005) conducted a study in Taiwan which found that 73.7% of online gaming crimes were theft, while fraud accounted for 20.2%. The study also revealed that a significant number of offenders were young, with 3.3% aged between 15 and 20, and 8.3% under the age of 15 (as cited in Wan & Chou, 2007).

According to Park, Kim, and Choc (2008), South Korea had a

higher proportion of adolescents using the internet compared to other age groups. Their research showed that in 2005, an impressive 97.3% of South Korean adolescents aged from 6 to19 used the internet.

Additionally, there has been a separate investigation into the prevalence of Internet addiction among South Korean adolescents

The study included 903 adolescents, with 10.7% scoring high on the Internet Addiction Scale, indicating a high risk for internet addiction. The prevalence of internet addiction in South Korea is attributed to its status as an internet-based society, which provides easy access to the internet for middle and high school students. It is considered a significant issue among South Koreans.

Handmade (n.d.) conducted a study that found gender differences in internet addiction. The results showed that 75% of females exhibited no signs of addiction, while only 46.6% of males fell into this category. Additionally, less than 25% of females were addicted to the internet compared to over 50% of male students. Moreover, around 18% of males displayed high levels of addiction compared to only 6% of females with high addiction levels. In other words, male students tend to have higher levels of internet addiction than their female counterparts potentially due to greater freedom enjoyed by males such as spending time outside the house with friends or visiting places like internet cafes and game networks.

This text suggests that allowing people more internet access could lead to an increase in internet addiction. Lee & Captivity (2002) have found through multiple studies that there are gender differences in how digital media is used, with girls and boys having different preferences for types of services. Moreover, Park (2009) cites research

by Superhumanly et al. (2001) and Buckram, Venerated, Huston, Lee, Captivity, & Wright (2003), which reveals that during early adolescence, girls spend more time on the computer compared to boys. However, this trend reverses in late adolescence.

The differences in internet addiction between genders can be explained by their respective interests in different types of content. Men are more attracted to interactive online games that focus on power, control, dominance, and violence. It has been observed that men tend to seek out dominant activities, as noted by Young (1998). On the other hand, women prefer close friendships and anonymous communication where they can hide their identity. Van Cochise & Widgeon (1997) conducted a study that found boys enjoy online games more than girls, which leads to boys being heavy users of the internet (as cited in Park 2009).