and Social Anxiety Among (original) (raw)

2004

Abstract

Contradictory evidence exists regarding the benefit of the Internet for social and personal wellbeing, with some studies indicating deleterious effects and others possible social enrichment. The potential for increased social isolation from ‘over-involvement ’ in online activities or, conversely, the Internet’s possibilities for enhancing social relationships, may be particularly salient during young adult-hood and adolescence because of the special importance of the peer group during this developmental phase. This study was an investigation of the relationships between the levels of identity development, Internet use and social anxiety among a sample of 161 older adolescents/young adults aged between 18 and 25. Results indicated that, for males only, higher levels of social anxiety and less mature identity statuses were associated with more frequent Internet use, specifi-cally time spent in chatrooms, online browsing for personal use, and games. For females (who were in this sample...

Susan Moore hasn't uploaded this paper.

Let Susan know you want this paper to be uploaded.

Ask for this paper to be uploaded.