EXAMINATION OF INTERNET USE IN TERMS OF LONELINESS

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is the examination of internet use in terms of loneliness. For this purpose, the relationships between internet addiction and loneliness were examined. The descriptive and correlational research designs were used in this study. The data were collected by the online survey. The survey included Internet Addiction and UCLA-LS Loneliness scales and a Socio-Demographic Form. The collected data were evaluated by quantitative analysis methods using SPSS 25.0. A total of 412 people participated in the study. Approximately 90% of the participants have an internet subscription at home. However, it was found that the participants generally had low levels of internet addiction and loneliness. In addition, a positive, moderate and significant relationship was found between internet addiction and loneliness (p<0.05). On the other hand, it has been determined that being under the age of 25, being single, to be unemployed and having a low income are the factors that significantly increase internet addiction. In addition, with the increase in work and income levels, loneliness decreases significantly. These findings show that individuals under the age of 25, single, unemployed, and in low-income group are in the risk for internet addiction. As a result, it is suggested to focus primarily on individuals in the risk group against internet addiction.