The relationship between problematic internet use and the need for cognitive closure

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify relationships between problematic Internet use and cognitive motivation. Particular attention was given to the need for cognitive closure, a factor of great importance when it comes to motivations for decision-making and organizing incoming information, including that originating from the Internet. Methods: The sample consisted of 280 persons aged from 19 to 31. The Problematic Internet Use Test and the Need for Closure Scale were used in order to measure the five aspects of Need for Closure: affective discomfort occasioned by ambiguity, preference for order and structure in the environment, the predictability of future contexts, closed-mindedness and decisiveness. Results: The analysis showed that problematic Internet use is correlated with certain dimensions of the need for cognitive closure, namely closed-mindedness and decisiveness. It was also observed that these dimensions were associated with lower and higher levels of problematic Internet use. It was further shown that, together with the number of hours per week spent using the Internet, these dimensions were significant primary predictors of membership in the less problematic Internet-use group. Conclusions: The results are in agreement with the existing studies on the question of problematic Internet use. They also draw attention to possible new variables related to the need for cognitive closure and indicate the possible determinants of problematic Internet use in the studied group. Therefore, they may lead to a better understanding of the causes of problematic Internet use. The results obtained may lead to the more effective planning of preventive actions.