Abstract:

This study aimed to examine the variables that are associated with internet addiction. The study sample included a total of 120 individuals (53 women and 67 men) living in Istanbul. The research data were collected through Personal Information Form, Internet Addiction Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software package, independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The analyses showed no significant correlation between internet addiction and the variables of gender, age, educational level, daily internet usage, life satisfaction, self-esteem. There was a significant relationship between internet addiction and the variables of loneliness and knowledge about cyber crimes. The research findings indicated that higher levels of loneliness meant increased internet addiction, while lower levels of loneliness meant decreased internet addiction. Besides, those knowledgeable about cyber crimes were found to have lower levels of internet addiction, as compared to those unaware of cyber crimes.

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