Abstract:

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the internet use, happiness and life satisfaction levels of the university students. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 353 students enrolled in the Faculty of Health Sciences of a University between March and May 2018. The Young Internet Addiction Test, the Oxford Happiness Scale Short Form and The Life Satisfaction Scale were used for data collection. SPSS 25.0 package program was used to analyze the data. In statistical analyses, the significance level p<0.05 was accepted. Results: The Young Internet Addiction Test Short Form of the students enrolled in the study was determined as 30.15±9.42. According to this scale, there was a possible addiction risk of 17% of the participants, while 83% of the participants did not have an internet addiction risk. In addition, the Oxford Happiness Scale Short Form score average was determined as 17.74±3.13 and the life satisfaction scale score average was 14.75±4. The average score of Young Internet Addiction Test and the average score of life satisfaction scale were also negative and low but significant correlations were found. Conclusion: As the risk of internet addiction increases, it is observed that the levels of youth’s life satisfaction and happiness are affected negatively. In this sense, it is suggested that plans should be made to support, strengthen and increase the awareness of young people and to ensure their sustainability for the solution of the addiction risks that will be realized in the early period.

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