The Effect of The Internet on Adolescents: A Mixed-Method Study

Abstract

Introduction: Internet addiction has developed into a major public health issue as a result of technological improvements. The aim of this study is to determine their views on the effects of the internet on adolescents with problematic internet use and to examine the level of internet addiction of adolescents. Methods: This is a mixed-method- study. The total sample size was 349 secondary school students. The study interview group consisted of 60 students. Data were collected through the focus group method. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis were used in the quantitative data analysis while thematic analysis was used in the qualitative data analysis. Results: The mean total score of internet addiction for all students wa 35.63 (4.44). The students with a mean internet score of <30 had a mean score of 19.03 (5.66), and the students with a mean internet score of ≥30 had a mean score of 22.17 (8.49). Three main themes were identified, which were 'path to problematic internet use', 'impacts of internet', and 'safe internet'. Conclusions: From the perspective of the children regarding the three themes in this study, the internet was found to be beneficial for accessing information. However, the results also showed that children were exposed to risks on the internet. Within the context of the study results, nurses can determine the factors causing uncontrolled access to the internet among children. Moreover, interventions can be planned in accordance with the needs.