continued

DISCUSSION

There are several limitations involved in this study which must first be addressed. Initially, the sample size of 259 Dependents is relatively small compared to the estimated 56 million current Internet users (IntelliQuest, 1997). Furthermore, this study has inherent biases present in its methodology by utilizing an expedient group of self-selected Internet users coupled with the questionable accuracy of on-line responses. Therefore, the generalizability of results must be interrupted with caution and continued research should include larger sample sizes to yield more accurate results. Future research efforts should also attempt to randomly select samples off-line in order to eliminate the methodological limitations of an on-line survey and to improve the clinical utility of the information gathered.

However, this preliminary analysis yields initial data which can be utilized to draw several hypotheses to use in further investigations. On-line users who pre-morbidly demonstrate highly developed abstract thinking skills may develop addictive patterns of Internet use as they are drawn to the mental stimulation offered through the infinite databases and information available. On-line users who tend to lead a more solitary and socially inactive lifestyle may be at greater risk for pathological Internet use. Shotton (1991) was the first to hypothesize that those who suffered from computer dependency were more likely to maintain a schizoid lifestyle and feel comfortable with prolonged periods of social isolation. Thus, it is equally as likely that those who suffer from Internet addiction do not experience the same feelings of alienation others feel when spending long periods of time sitting alone. Additionally, the Internet’s interactive capabilities may help the on-line user to feel a sense of connectness among other users despite being physically alone.

Similar to research conducted on CB radio operators (e.g., Dannefer & Kasen, 1981), anonymous communication utilizing "handles" allows individuals to talk on-line with one another in unique ways. Gender, ethic background, socioeconomic status, geographic location, and marital status are hidden behind text-based interactions. On-line handles can even be used to alter one’s presence via descriptions which are false such as "Rambo" for a petite woman or "Lusty Female" for a married man. Through such anonymous interaction, Internet users can engage in free expression, develop new on-line personas, and flame others (i.e., often unfiltered rude remarks). Prior research has speculated that specific applications appeared to play a significant role in the development of pathological Internet use (Young, 1996a). Dependents were less likely to control their use of highly interactive features than other on-line applications. It is possible that a unique reinforcement exists that such anonymous on-line relationships gathered from such interactive applications have the ability to provide fulfillment of unmet real life social needs (Young, 1997b).

Guarded individuals may experience more intimidation in their initial face-to-face meetings and have greater difficulty trusting others. Naturally vigilant and private persons may drawn to such anonymous interactive features of the Internet as this allows them to converse with others in uninhibited ways and form new relationships with greater ease than in real life circumstances. Anonymous electronic communication may also attract less conforming individuals who use the medium to rant radical ideologies or discuss taboo social belief systems they maintain, yet in real life either self-inhibit or find few others who share those views. If these individuals also display emotionally reactive tendencies, they may draw upon such a medium to emote in ways that are restricted by social convention. Outbursts of anger, over-sexualized comments, or blunt remarks which are typically self-monitored thoughts in real life may form the basis of typed messages to fellow on-line users in interactive forums. These specific personality traits may place an individual at a greater risk to develop PIU because the on-line world created inside their screens becomes the only outlet for such expression.

In general, these results show a discrepancy from the stereotypic profile of an "Internet addict" as an introverted, computer-savvy male (Young, 1996b) and suggests that specific personality traits may predispose an individual to develop PIU. Future research should continue to examine how personality traits influence PIU and how such interactive applications lead to addictive patterns of behavior. While it is unclear how PIU compares to other established addictions, future research should investigate if a similar personality profile may be an etiologic factor in the development of any addictive syndrome, whether to alcohol, gambling, or the Internet. Finally, these results do not clearly indicate whether these personality traits preceded the development of such Internet abuse or if it was a consequence. Young (1996a) showed withdrawal from significant real life relationships is a consequence of PIU, which could explain the high scores indicated on the 16PF for solitary activity. Therefore, further experimentation with a more comprehensive level of statistical analysis is necessary to examine cause and effect. 

References

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Dannefer, D. & Kasen, J. (1981). Anonymous exchanges. Urban Life, 10(3), 265-287.

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Shotton, M. (1991). The costs and benefits of "computer addiction." Behaviour and Information Technology. 10(3), 219 - 230.

Young, K. S. (1996a). Internet addiction: The emergence of a new clinical disorder. Paper presented at the 104th annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, August 11, 1996. Toronto, Canada.

Young, K. S. (1996b). Pathological Internet Use: A case that breaks the stereotype.  Psychological Reports, 79, 899-902.

Young, K. S. & Rodgers, R. (1997a). The relationship between depression and Internet addiction. CyberPsychology and Behavior, 1(1), 25-28.

Young, K. S. (1997b). What makes on-line usage stimulating? Potential explanations for pathological Internet use. Symposia presented at the 105th annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, August 15, 1997. Chicago, IL.

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