The Impact of Internet Use on Internet Addiction and Mental Health Among Adolescents

Abstract

Little research exists on the importance of internet use purpose in explaining the interplay between internet use frequency, internet addiction, and adolescent well-being. This study investigates the relationship between internet use frequency, internet addiction, and mental health, examining how the purpose of internet use moderates these interplays. Drawing on data from a nationwide survey of 9,200 U.S. high school students, the findings reveal that American adolescents primarily engage with the internet for educational purposes rather than entertainment or social communication. Overall, significant positive correlations emerged between the frequency of internet use, internet addiction, and mental health issues; however, these associations varied by the purpose of use. Using the internet for educational purposes was inversely associated with both internet addiction and mental health problems. Differently, while entertainment and social communication were adversely related to internet addiction, they were linked to an increase in mental health issues. When dissecting subtypes of internet addiction, Internet Craving was found to be a more critical determinant of mental health than Internet Loss of Control. The study also explores the roles of gender and ethnic-cultural background in these relationships. Overall, the findings underscore the complexity of adolescent internet use and highlight the need for targeted interventions to foster healthier online habits and promote adolescent well-being.