What Is Internet Addiction and How Can It Be Prevented?

Today, the internet has become an indispensable part of our lives. However, this widespread use also has some negative side effects. Research showing that there are complex relationships between concepts such as internet addiction, self-esteem, and the need for social approval reveals that more attention should be paid to these issues. In this article, we will examine in detail the relationships between internet addiction, self-esteem, and the need for social approval.

What Is Internet Addiction?

Internet addiction is defined as individuals using the internet in an uncontrolled way and this situation negatively affecting their daily lives. This addiction may lead to negative consequences in social, academic, and professional life. Caplan (2005) argues that internet addiction is a multidimensional syndrome and manifests itself through various cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Known to be associated with factors such as loneliness, low self-esteem, and depression, internet addiction can significantly reduce individuals’ quality of life (Fioravanti et al., 2012).

Self-Esteem and Internet Use

Self-esteem is defined as a phenomenon that allows an individual to be aware of themselves and their characteristics, and in this state to maintain a positive way of thinking and live with self-confidence. While individuals with high self-esteem feel valuable and adequate, individuals with low self-esteem may feel inadequate and worthless (Tunç, 2019). Individuals with low self-esteem may spend more time on the internet in order to feel better and gain social approval. This situation may lead to the development of internet addiction.

The Need for Social Approval and the Internet

The need for social approval is defined as individuals’ need to be socially accepted and to conform to other people’s opinions (Karaşar, 2014). The internet provides a broad platform for individuals to meet these needs. The possibility of being anonymous and reaching a wide audience may cause individuals to spend more time on the internet (Shek, Sun, and Yu, 2012). Research conducted by Aydoğmuş and Demir (2016) found a positive and significant relationship between problematic internet use and the need for social approval. This situation reveals the strong connection between internet addiction and the need for social approval.

The Relationship Between Internet Addiction, Self-Esteem, and the Need for Social Approval

The relationships between internet addiction, self-esteem, and the need for social approval are complex and multidimensional. Individuals with low self-esteem may spend more time on the internet in order to meet their need for social approval. This may reinforce internet addiction and lead individuals to face negative consequences in their daily lives. The increase in time spent on the internet may strengthen individuals’ tendency to meet their social approval needs, and this may trigger internet addiction.

The relationships between internet addiction, self-esteem, and the need for social approval are among the important problems of the modern world. The fact that the internet occupies an important place in individuals’ lives may cause some problematic behaviors to emerge. Therefore, it is important that the relationships between internet addiction, self-esteem, and the need for social approval are researched further and that awareness is raised on this issue. Individuals need to develop healthy internet use, strengthen their self-esteem during this process, and meet their social approval needs in a balanced way.

Let us remember that using the opportunities offered by the internet consciously and in a balanced way is of great importance for both our personal and social health.

Evaluate Your Internet Usage Habits More Healthily with Happ Health

The relationship between internet use, self-esteem, and the need for social approval is an important issue that may affect mental health and the balance of daily life. Thanks to Happ Health, you can access online psychologist support more easily and evaluate, together with an expert, your internet usage habits, your emotional needs, and the effects of your online behaviors on your life in a healthier way.