Abstract

Despite its uses, there are liable to be abuses of the internet. “Internet Addiction”is a recently proposed construct, derived from DSM-IV criteria for substance abuse. As a very recent phenomenon, excess internet uses probably utilises pre-existing mechanisms. The addictive element may be the search for stimulation through interactive services, or the Internet may serve the purpose of an escape from real-life difficulties. We therefore considered the extent to which sensation seeking or poor self-esteem predicts “Internet Addiction”. Fifty participants, recruited through the Internet or the Internet Addiction Support Group, completed an “Internet Use Survey”, the MMPI-2 Addiction Potential Scale, the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and the Sensation Seeking Scale. The Internet Addiction scale (IAS) showed a moderate level of internal consistency reliability and demonstrated construct validity, predicting hours of Internet use and a relationship with the Addiction Potential Scale. While the attribute of poor self-esteem predicted greater scores on the IAS, impulsivity did not. Researchers need to re-assess previous conceptualizations of the typical “computer addict” as a highly educated, male introvert with a constant need for intellectual stimulation (Shotton, 1991).