Gender differences in internet addiction among university students in the slovak republic

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The internet is an integral part of today’s life; therefore, the risk of internet addiction is very high. The current consequences of internet addiction are not comparable to those of other types of addiction. However, internet addiction may be a serious problem in the future. For this reason, this issue should be addressed today. AIMS: The primary objective of the study was to assess the differences in internet addiction between males and females in a sample of university students in the Slovak Republic. Differences were assessed in the total internet addiction score, as well as in the individual sub-scales of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) (Salience, Excessive Use, Neglect Work, Anticipation, Lack of Control, Neglect Social Life). METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted in 2020. The objective of the study was mainly achieved using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. SAMPLE: The population was selected in the form of a non-random sample and consists of 1612 responses from students of Slovak universities. Data obtained using the standardized IAT scale was included in the analyses. RESULTS: The overall rate of internet addiction in the research sample was not critical, while increased scores were found in the Neglect Work, Anticipation, and Lack of Control sub-scales. Significant differences were identified in the areas of Salience, Excessive Use, Neglect Work, and Neglect Social Life. In general, male students showed a higher rate of internet addiction. CONCLUSIONS: Internet addiction in high-risk population groups should be systematically monitored. The lifestyle of university students may be a predictor of these addictions, which may be a serious problem in the future.