Internet dependence in the collegiate population: the role of shyness

Low sensation seeking and loneliness have been associated with collegiate Internet dependence. In an attempt to further explicate the factors associated with collegiate Internet dependence, interpersonal shyness (both online and in face-to-face [FTF] interactions) was explored. An online questionnai...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCyberpsychology & behavior Vol. 7; no. 4; p. 379
Main Authors Lavin, Michael J, Yuen, C Nathalie, Weinman, Michael, Kozak, Kelly
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.08.2004
Subjects
Adolescent
Adult
Behavior, Addictive - diagnosis
Behavior, Addictive - psychology
Female
Humans
Internet
Interpersonal Relations
Loneliness
Male
Reinforcement (Psychology)
Shyness
Students - psychology
Surveys and Questionnaires
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Summary:Low sensation seeking and loneliness have been associated with collegiate Internet dependence. In an attempt to further explicate the factors associated with collegiate Internet dependence, interpersonal shyness (both online and in face-to-face [FTF] interactions) was explored. An online questionnaire was used to assess Internet dependency and shyness. The results demonstrated the predicted interaction such that shyness level for nondependents did not differ online or in FTF interactions. However, dependents' shyness was greater in FTF interactions relative to online interpersonal exchanges. The results were discussed in terms of how various Internet resources (e.g., e-mail, chat rooms, and instant messages) can be used to ameliorate shyness and how such negatively reinforced behavior could foster dependence.
ISSN:1094-9313
DOI:10.1089/cpb.2004.7.379