Validation and psychometric properties of a short version of Young’s Internet Addiction Test

A key element of research on Internet addiction is a valid and reliable assessment of problems individuals experience in their daily life due to an excessive or pathological use of the Internet. One of the most frequently used questionnaires is Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT). However, the factorial structure of the IAT is still discussed controversially. In four studies with different samples we (a) addressed the factorial structure of the IAT with exploratory factor analysis and reduced the items to those with sufficient factor loadings and good item characteristics, (b) checked the factorial structure using confirmatory factor analysis, and (c) analyzed convergent, divergent and incremental validities. We revealed a short version of the IAT, which consists of 12 items and a two-factorial solution with good reliability (study 1). The two factors were named “loss of control/time management” and “craving/social problems”. This two-factorial solution was confirmed by the confirmatory factor analysis (study 2) and we have found good indices for convergent, divergent and incremental validity (studies 3 and 4). In conclusion, the short version of the IAT has good psychometric properties and represents the Internet addiction’s key elements based on the proposed diagnostic criteria.     

Psychometric validation of the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 in a Portuguese sample

The Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) assesses individuals’ generalized problematic Internet use (PIU) cognitions, behaviors, and negative outcomes. To date, the GPIUS2 has only been validated in English, Spanish, German, and Italian language. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate a Portuguese version of the GPIUS2 and provide a taxonomy of the potential risk of PIU among participants. A sample of 641 Portuguese-speaking Internet users was recruited online after a process of translation and back-translation of the original GPIUS2. In-depth validity and reliability analyses were conducted alongside latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify the potential risk of PIU of participants. The validity and reliability analyses revealed adequate results concerning the psychometric properties of the Portuguese GPIUS2. According to the LPA results, participants were classed as “low risk” (n = 289, 46.7%), “medium risk” (n = 256, 40.7%), and “high risk” (n = 77, 12.6%) of PIU with key differences emerging among the three classes. The present findings support the overall validity and usefulness of the Portuguese GPIUS2 and the results from the LPA may be potentially useful in informing practitioners currently working with clients struggling with PIU.     

Construct validation of the Use, Abuse and Dependence on the Internet inventory

This study aims to validate the structure of the Use, Abuse and Dependence on the Internet (UADI) inventory on a sample of 1056 high school (n = 820) and university (n = 236) students. In particular, we performed exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses on sub-samples (cross-validation), tested the construct convergent validity, and tested correlations of UADI dimensions with HEXACO personality inventory (HEXACO-PI, where HEXACO stands for the six assessed dimensions: Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, eXtraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness and Openness to experience) and external criteria (daytime internet use, etc.). Five dimensions (Compensatory Escape, Dissociation, Real Life Impact, Experience Making and Addiction) were best captured by a second-order factor structure with a factor reflecting Real Life Impact and Dependence saturated by the other four dimensions. This latter factor converged with other traditional measures of internet dependence. The results are discussed in light of the relationships with validity criteria.     

Beyond search and communication: Development and validation of the Internet Self-efficacy Scale (ISS)

Internet self-efficacy is a pivotal construct for understanding a wide range of online activities. Human activity has been developing in new directions along with the evolution of the Internet over the last few decades. A self-efficacy measure which might appropriately reflect these changes is still lacking in the literature. To address this research gap, the current study developed the Internet Self-efficacy Scale (ISS) and tested its validity and reliability. A sample of 349 undergraduate students completed an assessment battery including the ISS. A 17-item five-factor model was extracted from an EFA. Using a CFA, the 17-item five-factor model obtained from the EFA was cross-validated and the results revealed acceptable model fits where χ²(df = 107) = 198.987, NFI = .918, CFI = .960, and RMESA = .067 (95% C.I.; 052, .081). Also, the ISS showed good convergent validity, evidenced by the significant relationships with Internet outcome expectancy and Internet anxiety.     

Internet网络特征量分析

形式化定义、量化分析了Internet网络的特征量,给出Internet网络空间和时间效能的一般性定义,定义两种效能的特征参量——网络密度和Internet网络访问直径,量化分析近5 000万条来自CAIDA的Internet测量数据样本,证明网络密度和访问直径之间的数学关系,形式化定义Internet网络效能因子,并将Internet网络的时间和空间效能联系起来,实现对网络效能的综合评判。网络效能因子基于时间维演化的数学模型有助于预测和评价Internet的发展状况。     

Depression,loneliness and Internet addiction: How important is low self-control?

This study aimed to explore both the direct and indirect relationships between depression, loneliness, low self-control, and Internet addiction in a sample of Turkish youth, based on a cognitive-behavioral model of generalized problematic Internet use. Data for the present study were collected from 648 undergraduate students with a mean age of 22.46 years (SD = 2.45). Participants completed scales for depression, loneliness, self-control and Internet addiction. Structural equation modeling was used to test the model in which depression and loneliness predicted Internet addiction through low self-control. The findings revealed that of the two factors, only loneliness was related to Internet addiction through low self-control. The results are discussed in terms of the cognitive-behavioral model of generalized problematic Internet use, and implications for practice are considered.     

A repeat cross-sectional analysis of the psychometric properties of the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) with adolescents from public and private schools

The development and validation of compulsive Internet use instruments has recently gained the attention of the research community. Recent literature has recommended examining the psychometric properties of different assessment instruments with diverse user groups, cultures and populations. To address this need, the present study examined the psychometric properties of the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) with adolescent Internet users attending public and private schools, using a repeated cross-sectional study. Three studies were carried out, namely Study A (n = 2369), Study B (n = 997) and Study C (n = 274), the results of which suggest that CIUS possesses excellent factorial and construct validity and reliability across time, and is suitable for both public and private school attending adolescents. Additionally, the study examined the powers of demographics and technology accessibility attributes in predicting CIUS among adolescent Internet users over time. It was found that male adolescents with low life satisfaction and low academic performance tend to experience compulsive Internet use; personal mobile Internet access and daily time spent on Internet use also significantly predicted CIUS scores. The theoretical and practical implications of the study are presented.     

Problematic Internet use: Functions of use,cognitive absorption,and depression

Although researchers have studied problematic Internet use for almost a decade, there is a dearth of quantitative models to describe this phenomenon. We aimed to create a structural equation model by which we explored the extent to which the functions of the Internet use, cognitive absorption, and depression affected and explained an individual’s problematic Internet use. In 2011 and 2012 years, 244 high school students (117 boys and 127 girls) participated in this study to complete the Problematic Internet Use Scale, the Cognitive Absorption Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Internet Use Function Questionnaire. We found that the students’ functions of Internet use, cognitive absorption, and depression explained the problematic Internet use to some extent.     

Frequency is not enough: Patterns of use associated with risk of Internet addiction in Portuguese adolescents

This paper reports an exploratory analysis of the relation between Internet addiction and patterns of use among Portuguese adolescents (n = 2617) from the WHO 2010 Health Behavior in School-aged children study, with a short version of Young's Internet Addiction Test (the brief Internet Addiction Questionnaire – bIAQ) and self-reports on online behaviors and access. Two-Step Cluster analysis identified two clusters of users based on their usage pattern: a minority of high-frequency users, with higher bIAQ scores, and a majority of low-frequency users, with lower bIAQ scores. Low and high-frequency users are particularly distinct in specific activities, which converges with previous research showing addiction to specific Internet activities rather than to the Internet as a whole.     

Demonstrating the validity of the Video Game Functional Assessment-Revised (VGFA-R)

Problematic video play has been well documented over the course of the last decade. So much so the DSM-5 (APA, 2013) has included problematic video gaming as disorder categorized as Internet Gaming Disorder. The field of applied behavior analysis has been utilizing functional assessments for the last 30 years and has showed evidence of effective results across different populations and environments. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation (comprising three studies) was to validate an indirect functional assessment entitled the Video Game Functional Assessment-Revised (VGFA-R). Using academic experts in the field of video game addiction and applied behavioral analysis (n = 6), the first study examined the content validity of the VGFA-R and was able to demonstrate the assessment exceeded the criterion for an established assessment. A second study comprising a survey of 467 gamers examined the factorability by using a confirmatory factor analysis, and found that VGFA-R had an overall variance above .60. Within the third laboratory-based study using gamers (n = 11), the VGFA-R was examined for construct validity and found the VGFA-R was able to predict 85% of the appropriate function of behavior. Implications of the study are discussed along with the strengths and limitations of the study and future research directions.     

Psychometric properties of the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire

Several instruments have been designed to measure problems associated with excessive, compulsive, or addictive use of the Internet. One such instrument, the 18-item Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire, was recently published with data supporting a three subscale model (Demetrovics et al., 2008). These researches utilized an online format with a sample taken from the general population of Hungary. We utilized an American college student sample and a paper and pencil format to perform a confirmatory factor analysis of the PIUQ. In addition, we examined the reliability and construct validity of the PIUQ by examining the scales’ relationship with several indices of psychological and physical health. CFA results indicate a barely adequate and not completely problem free three factor model for the PIUQ (χ² = 477.40; root mean square error = .097; comparative fit index = .831; Tucker Lewis coefficient = .804). Cronbach’s α for the total scale was .91 while the Cronbach’s α for each subscale were .81, .77, and .79. Construct validity for the model is demonstrated with significant correlations between the subscales and several indices of psychological and physical health. Suggestions for further research are provided.     

Problematic Internet use in British adolescents: An exploration of the addictive symptomatology

Research into online addictions has increased substantially over the last decade, particularly amongst youth. This study adapted the Problematic Internet Entertainment Use Scale for Adolescents [PIEUSA] for use with a British population. The adapted scale was used to (i) validate the instrument for English-speaking adolescent samples, (ii) estimate the prevalence of adolescent online problem users and describe their profile, and (iii) assess the accuracy of the scale’s classification of symptomatology. A survey was administered to 1097 adolescents aged between 11 and 18 years. The results indicated that (i) reliability of the adapted scale was excellent; factor validity showed unidimensionality, and construct validity was adequate. The findings also indicated that (ii) prevalence of online problem users was 5.2% and that they were more likely to younger males that engaged in online gaming for more than two hours most days. The majority of online problem users displayed negative addictive symptoms, especially ‘loss of control’ and ‘conflict’. The adapted scale showed (iii) very good sensitivity, specificity, and classification accuracy, and was able to clearly differentiate between problem and non-problem users. The results suggest certain differences between adolescent and adult online problem users based in the predominance of slightly different psychological components.     

A measurement-based study on the correlations of inter-domain Internet application flows

Internet traffic characterization has a profound impact on network engineering and traffic identification. Existing studies are often carried out on a per-flow basis, focusing on the properties of individual flows. In this paper, we study the interaction of Internet traffic flows and network features from a complex network perspective, focusing on six types of applications: P2P file sharing, P2P stream, HTTP, instant messaging, online games and abnormal traffic. With large-volume traffic flow records collected through proprietary line-speed hardware-based monitors, we construct flow graphs of these different application types. Based on the flow graphs, we calculate the correlation coefficients on various properties for individual or multiple applications. Our studies on associativity among degree and strength of individual hosts and connected nodes reveal distinct correlative behavior of different types of applications. Especially, the correlations of P2P applications are observed to be much stronger than those of the other applications. We also investigate the correlations between different types of applications, and observe that HTTP has remarkably different correlations from those of the two P2P applications due to the fact that multiple application types rely on HTTP. Finally, we study the dynamics of correlations for a period of 24 h and reveal a few interesting trends. We believe that our work which focuses on the assortativities of Internet applications provides insightful understanding on Internet traffic classification of up-to-date applications and will be helpful for Internet traffic classification and engineering.     

Is gambling involvement a confounding variable for the relationship between Internet gambling and gambling problem severity?

Internet gamblers have more problems gambling than land-based gamblers, but recent studies showed that Internet gamblers are involved in a higher number of gambling activities, which may confound the relationship between Internet gambling and gambling problems. The present study aimed to test whether the relationship between Internet gambling and gambling problems persisted when including variables related to gambling involvement as predictors, namely time spent gambling and diversity of gambling formats. Data from a large sample of French adolescents (n = 9910) were used. Associations between disordered gambling/money spent gambling with Internet gambling were performed using generalized linear models, not controlling and controlling for diversity of gambling formats and time spent gambling. The results showed that Internet gamblers had significantly more problems than land-based gamblers. The relationship decreased when diversity of gambling formats and time spent gambling were controlled separately, and became non-significant when they were both included in the model. To conclude, time spent gambling and diversity of gambling formats rather than Internet gambling should be considered a detrimental gambling behavior. They seemed to capture different aspects of gambling patterns. This study was a step forward in changing the conceptual model of problem gambling, with gambling involvement as a main variable.     

The Internet knowledge (iKnow) measure

Despite increasing development and administration of Internet surveys, tests, and many other applications to be used by employees and the general public, little is known about the knowledge individuals bring to Internet tasks. This research improves our understanding of the concept of Internet knowledge, and provides initial support for the construct validity of a new measure of Internet knowledge with respect to its factor structure, internal consistency reliability, and concurrent validity. From a practical perspective, clearer definition of Internet knowledge and the availability of a reliable measure of such knowledge can advance our understanding of how individuals develop Internet experience through its use and may also inform the process by which web sites and Internet applications are designed.     

Factor structure for Young’s Internet Addiction Test: A confirmatory study

A number of diagnostic scales have been developed in recent years to assess Internet addiction. To better understand the structure, validity, and reliability of such assessment instruments, Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was evaluated using a confirmatory approach.Data collected through a survey of 410 Hong Kong university undergraduates was subjected to exploratory factor analysis and data from a hold-out sample was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis in order to assess the psychometric properties and factor structure of the IAT scale. Three dimensions, namely, “Withdrawal and Social Problems”, “Time Management and Performance”, and “Reality Substitute” were extracted.These dimensions were then correlated with a number of criterion variables, including academic performance, online activities, gender, and Internet usage. The results show that academic performance was negatively correlated with the Internet addiction scores. The degree of Internet addiction was also found to vary across different types of online activity, with people engaged in cyberrelationships and online gambling having higher Internet addiction scores.     

The impact of the Internet on the social lives of users: A representative sample from 13 countries

One of the most vociferous criticisms of the Internet has always been that it contributes to loneliness among its users. This study analyses results from the World Internet Project, comprised of representative samples from 13 countries (22,002 participants). Thus creating an exceptional international representative sample. In analyzing those results, we argue that in order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the Internet’s influence over individuals’ social lives; it is essential to consider the different types of social connections that might be influenced by the Internet. We assess the influence of Internet use over social interactions in separate life domains (e.g. with family members; friends; colleagues). Our analysis confirms that Internet usage can actually enhance the social lives of its users. Qualifications to the research are discussed while highlighting the different life domains in which we found significant correlations between Internet usage and increased social interactions.     

Attitudes and parenting dimensions in parents' regulation of Internet use by primary and secondary school children

In keeping with the growing expansion of Internet use by children at home, this study examines the impact of parental attitudes and parenting dimensions on the parental regulation of this use. Parental attitudes include ideas about who decides what the child is to see on the Internet and motivations for Internet use. Parenting dimensions involve control and warmth. Parental regulation involves assessment of time, concerns about content, and guidance about its developmental adequacy. Participants were 711 Spanish parents of children in primary and secondary school. Results showed that the parental attitudes and child-rearing dimensions mostly differ according to the parent's age, education and place of residence, mirroring the variables that modulate the parents' digital divide. The child's schooling level and gender also modulate parental attitudes and parenting dimensions. When controlling for parent's age, child's schooling level and amount of time spent on line, the child's decision on Internet use positively predicted the assessment of time (AdjR² = .31), whereas the parental decision on Internet use, more learning and less social motivation, and more control and warmth positively predicted both concerns (AdjR² = .25) and guidance (AdjR² = .40) about content. These results may help to design parent education programs to help them discover not only the risks but also the opportunities for learning and leisure that the Internet opens up to the family.     

Internet use and verbal aggression: The moderating role of parents and peers

This research investigated the influence of parent–adolescent communication quality, as perceived by the adolescents, on the relationship between adolescents’ Internet use and verbal aggression. Adolescents (N = 363, age range 10–16, M_T1 = 12.84, SD = 1.93) were examined twice with a six-month delay. Controlling for social support in general terms, moderated regression analyses showed that Internet-related communication quality with parents determined whether Internet use is associated with an increase or a decrease in adolescents’ verbal aggression scores over time. A three way interaction indicated that high Internet-related communication quality with peers can have disadvantageous effects if the communication quality with parents is low. Implications on resources and risk factors related to the effects of Internet use are discussed.     

Gender differences in the relationship between internet addiction and depression: A cross-lagged study in Chinese adolescents

The present study explored the role of gender in the association between Internet addiction and depression. Three-wave longitudinal panel data were collected from self-reported questionnaires that were completed by 1715 adolescents in grades 6–8 in China. Cross-lagged structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationship between Internet addiction and depression. In male adolescents, depression was found to significantly predict subsequent Internet addiction, suggesting that depression was the cause of Internet addiction and supporting the mood enhancement hypothesis. In female adolescents, Internet addiction was found to significantly predict subsequent depression, indicating that Internet addiction leads to depression and supporting the social displacement hypothesis. These results indicate that the relationship between Internet addiction and depression depended on gender. In addition, it was found that males and females exhibit different behavioral patterns and motivations of Internet usage. Males were more likely to use the Internet for pleasure and less likely to surf the Internet to search for information, compared with females. Although both males and females were prone to surfing the Internet alone, males were more likely to go online with friends compared with females. These findings suggest that gender-specific preventative and interventional strategies should be developed to reduce Internet addiction.