Internet Addiction Motivations Among Chinese Young People: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

The present study aims to explore the internet use pattern and the possible internet addiction motivations among Chinese young people, such as parenting style, social environment, changes of communication pattern, and psychological empty etc. Qualitative interviews were conducted. A total of 25 addictive young people and two parents were interviewed individually. Analysis of interviews found that parenting styles, such as harsh punishment, over interference, preference, comparing their children with others, and over-protection were significantly related to website addiction. Interpersonal communication pattern also played an important role in addiction. People who failed to draw others�� attentions in reality preferred to enjoy pseudo world online and avoided eye-contact. The interesting finding was that parents and their children regarded their communication pattern in different understanding. In terms of gender, this study examines the spiritual element and psychological norms and their impact on internet addiction. The findings may have significant effect on youth research, treatment of internet addiction and new media studies.



Author Information
Yanshu Sun, Beijing Normal University, Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, China

Paper Information
Conference: GLOBAL2016
Stream: Media Studies

This paper is part of the GLOBAL2016 Conference Proceedings (View)
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Posted by James Alexander Gordon