Psychological Factors of Problematic Internet Use among University Students of Kenyatta University Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to establish the prevalence of problematic internet use among the students in Kenyatta University. The objectives of the study were to find out psychological effects of problematic internet use. The objectives also established the factors leading to problematic internet use among the students then assess the level of internet use among the students in Kenyatta University. The study exposed the factors that lead to problematic internet use which will be an eye opener for the people who are involved with the students such as parents and teachers, so as to be aware of this problem and try to monitor their children or students. The theory that was used to further guide the study was cognitive-behavioural model of pathological Internet Use (PIU). The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The study employed simple random sampling to obtain the sample size for the study. Research instruments were questionnaires both open and closed ended. The sample size was 10% of 2500 which was 250 students. The results of data analysis were presented using frequency distribution tables, pie charts and bar graphs. The study established that majority of the respondents students in Kenyatta University are pushed to internet usage by social anxiety. Other factors include gambling (Sport pesa), stress and loneliness respectively. The findings revealed that that Facebook and Whatsapp were the social media frequently used by most of the students probably because it is mobile based and affordable. The study concluded that psychological factors that led to the students' problematic internet use included stress, loneliness and gambling. It was further concluded that problematic internet use among the students led to various psychological effects like sleep disorders, detaching from physical friends and depression. The study recommended that seminars and conferences in the university be organized with students to highlight the possible dangers of problematic internet use and the measures that can be taken to mitigate the problem.