I’M ALWAYS ONLINE: PROBLEMATIC INTERNET USE AND RISK FACTORS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

This study aims to reveal the risk factors that cause Problematic Internet Use (PIU) in children. This survey research used a cross sectional design by giving questionnaires Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2), Interpersonal Skill Competence, and Achievement Motivation Scale to 278 participants. Participants were obtained using quota sampling with the criteria, namely, elementary school students aged 9-12 years. The research subjects who were netted in the first phase are re-screened with the new inclusion criteria who were identified as having PIU with only moderate to very high hypothetical categories. As many as, 98 students who experienced PIU were obtained and were used as the final research subject. The results showed that as many as 86 students or equivalent to 30.93% had fallen into the category of experiencing problematic internet use tendencies and as many as 12 students or equivalent to 4.31% were in the heavy category of dependence on the internet (Internet Dependence). Besides that, Interpersonal skills and achievement motivation together were shown to have a negative effect on PIU, t(97) = -1.45, p < .05, and t(97) = -1.58, p < .05, respectively. Based on these results, counselors should be able to provide preventive and curative services, in order to maintain optimal growth and development in children.

Keywords

• problematic internet use
• elementary school students
• achievement motivation
• interpersonal skills