Internet Addiction and Social Anxiety Among Eighth Grade Students

Objective: This descriptive research was conducted to determine the relationship between internet addiction and social anxiety among 8th grade students. Results : A total of 416 students aged 12-15, attending the 8th grade in 2020-2021, 56.2% of whom are girls and 63.9% of whom are boys were included in the study. "Internet Addiction Scale" (IAS), "Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents" (SASA) and "Personal Information Form" were used as data collection tools in the research. In statistical evaluation of the data, t test, analysis of variance, Tukey post test, linear regression analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis were used. The participants were found to be normal internet users with a total mean score of 27.59±9.05 points from Young Internet Addiction Scale Short Form. The students received a total score of 40.59±16.01 from the SIAS and their social anxiety level was low Conclusion: A significant positive relationship was found between students' internet addiction and social anxiety level. The results of this research show that adolescents are in the risk group for internet addiction. It should not be overlooked that adolescents are a risk group in terms of addiction, and seminars should be organized in schools to help them use the internet correctly and effectively.