What are the relationship between problematic internet use and subjective well-being and self-esteem? Investigation of an adolescent sample

Abstract

The aim of this research is to determine whether subjective well-being and self-esteem predict problematic internet use or not. Within the scope of the study, the differentiation of problematic internet use according to some demographic variables was assessed. The study group for the research comprised 385 high school students (203 females, 182 males) attending 6 high schools in Trabzon province. Data were collected using the Problematic Internet Use Scale-E, Subjective Well-Being Scale, Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and a Demographic Information Form. The results showed there was a negative significant correlation between problematic internet use with subjective well-being and self-esteem. Additionally, it was concluded that subjective well-being and self-esteem significantly predicted problematic internet use. Problematic internet use differed according to gender, family income level, duration spent on the internet, purpose of internet use and maternal education level, while it did not differ according to class level or paternal education level.