Factors influencing internet addiction tendency among middle school students in Gyeong-buk area.

PURPOSE This study was conducted to understand the degree of internet addiction tendency and to find out the factors influencing this addiction tendency among middle school students in Gyeong-buk area. METHODS A total of 450 middle school students in the Daegu and Gyeong-buk area were surveyed in this study. Data collection was conducted through the use of questionnaires. RESULTS Internet addiction among middle school students was relatively low (Average user). In the overall ratio distribution, however, students who were classified as either addicted or at risk of addiction accounted for a high percentage, 27%. A positive correlation was found between Internet addiction and Internet expectation, depression and parent control over Internet use. A negative correlation was found between Internet addiction and interpersonal relationship, parent support and self-control. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the most powerful predictor of Internet addiction tendency was depression. CONCLUSION Through the above results, it would be necessary to develop an Internet addiction prevention program for adolescents taking into account for the psychological factors such as depression and Internet use habits. In the future study, the need assessment will be useful for developing this prevention program.