1. Internet addiction as a multi-dimensional concept and its relationship with well-being: evidence from PLS-SEM and IPMA analysis.
- Author
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Joshi, Himanshu and Sondhi, Neena
- Subjects
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WELL-being , *INTERNET , *RESEARCH methodology , *INTERVIEWING , *QUANTITATIVE research , *CRONBACH'S alpha , *QUALITATIVE research , *ACCESS to information , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *INTERNET addiction , *DATA analysis software , *THEMATIC analysis , *COMPULSIVE behavior - Abstract
The paper examines the multi-dimensional nature of Internet Addiction (IA) and its influence on Well-Being (WB) amongst a representative sample of 320 young urban Indian internet users. Nine hypotheses are proposed through a conceptual model to assess the multi-dimensional nature of IA and its relationship with WB. Partial Least Squares – Structure Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was conducted to assess the hypothesised relationships. Of the proposed nine hypotheses, seven were accepted. The result indicated IA as a four-dimensional construct – Internet Control Disorder (ICD), Internet Craving (IC), Internet Obsession (IO), and Addictive Behaviour (AB). The findings supported that ICD positively and significantly influences IC. IC and AB both have a significant impact on IO. ICD and IC have a significant impact on the individual's AB. ICD and IO significantly influence WB. With respect to the dimensions IC, AB, and IO, the model is successful in explaining around 26%, 45%, and 33% of the variation. IA as a multi-dimensional phenomenon and its relationship with WB in a young-demographic nation like India has immense academic and societal value. The study provides critical actionable insights for users, educators, health counsellors, parents, and policymakers regarding interventions for controlling internet addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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