How Addicted Are You to the Internet? New Study Introduces Internet Addiction Spectrum

A new study from the University of Surrey has shed light on the internet habits of individuals across different age groups. The research, which involved 796 participants, introduced a new framework called the Internet Addiction Spectrum that categorizes users into five groups based on their online behavior and dependency levels, TechXplore reported.

According to the study, young individuals aged 24 and under spend an average of six hours daily on the internet, predominantly through their smartphones. In contrast, those aged 24 and above devote an average of 4.6 hours to online activities.

The Internet Addiction Spectrum

1. Casual Users (14.86%): This group's online engagements are mainly task-oriented, characterized by swift log-offs without extended stays. This group tends to be of older age, averaging 33.4 years, and demonstrates limited curiosity towards exploring new applications.

2. Initial Users (22.86%): This group often finds themselves spending more time online than initially intended. While household responsibilities may take a back seat, they do not perceive their behavior as indicative of addiction. Their interest in applications is of moderate level, and their average age is 26.1 years.

3. Experimenters ( 21.98%): These users experience a sense of unease or anxiety upon disconnection from the internet. Reconnecting brings a palpable sense of relief. This segment shows a heightened inclination towards experimenting with new applications and technology, with ages averaging between 22.8 and 24.3 years.

4. Addicts-in-Denial (17.96%): These users manifest addictive tendencies like forming online relationships and sidelining real-world obligations. However, they are hesitant to acknowledge feelings of discomfort when offline. Additionally, they demonstrate a high level of confidence in utilizing mobile technology.

5. Addicts ( 22.36%): This group openly recognizes their dependency on the internet and is cognizant of its adverse impact on their lives. This segment displays the highest confidence level in adopting new applications and technology. Their online presence significantly exceeds that of Casual Users.

Addressing Internet Addiction

Dr. Brigitte Stangl, the study's lead author, emphasized the importance of distinguishing between problematic internet use and addiction. The research highlighted that younger individuals tend to have a higher likelihood of internet addiction, with this tendency decreasing as age advances.

The research additionally found that emotional experiences, or the feelings elicited while using an application, played a crucial role in predicting future behavior, especially when interacting with augmented reality. In contrast, actions like navigating a website or engaging in a game were less pertinent for addicts.

"Our study underscores the need for tailored interventions and support for individuals at various stages of internet addiction. The findings will certainly influence the design and development of digital services and AR applications, ensuring they cater to the diverse needs of users in the current digital environment," Stangl said in a statement.