Effects of Psychological Variances in Internet Addiction of 4th, 5th, and 6th Graders from Low Income Families

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors contributing to internet addiction in 4th, 5th, and 6th graders from low income families. METHODS: Participants for this study were 201 4th, 5th, and 6th graders from low income families living in Taegu. Data were collected from March, 2 to May, 29, 2013 using self-report structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS/Win 20.0 programme. RESULTS: Among the students, 78.6% were regular users, 14.4% were potential users, and 7.0% were high-risk users. The factors influencing internet addiction, in order of importance, were; conversation with family, followed by depression. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that efforts should make to monitor use of internet by elementary school children from low income families, and preventive strategies should be developed taking into consideration factors that influence internet addiction.