Cognitive basis of cyberbullying and computer addiction in adolescence

Abstract

Introduction. Modern information technologies are now very important part of the development of children and adolescents. The process of child socialization is associated with the risks of colliding with manifestations of aggression on the Internet and the development of computer addiction. The article reveals the issues of the relationship of these risks with the characteristics of the cognitive development of adolescents.Materials and Methods. The empirical study was conducted to study the relationship between the cognitive characteristics of adolescents and indicators of Internet addiction, cyber aggression and cyber victimization. The sample included 105 teenagers aged 13-17. The following methods were used: “Intelligence Structure Test” (IST) by R. Amthauer, the Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices Test, Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS), the Hall’s Emotional Quotient Test, Russianlanguage analogue of the questionnaire “Cyberbullying and Online Aggression Survey” (J.W.Patchin, S.Hinduja).Results. The study revealed negative correlations between indicators of problematic Internet use and characteristics of the cognitive sphere. There are differences in the severity of key symptoms of Internet addiction in adolescents with different levels of intelligence. Indicators of emotional intelligence are negatively correlated with almost all indicators of computer addiction, cyberaggression and cybervictimism.Discussion and Conclusions. The results of the study indicate that reduced indicators of general and emotional intelligence create the basis for the formation of Internet addiction and increase the vulnerability of adolescents to manifestations of cyberbullying.