Triggers of internet addiction and control mechanisms perspectives of selected undergraduate students of University of Education, Winneba

Abstract

The Internet’s penetration into daily life is of great concern to an increasing number of people, rising to the level of pathological Internet use with problems similar to those of other behavioural addictions. University students are especially susceptible to developing a dependence on the Internet. This study through the lens of uses and gratification theory, general strain theory, and a qualitative case study design critically examined Internet addiction among undergraduate students of University of Education, Winneba. The study also examined the perspectives of undergraduate students’ specific online activities. It also examined triggers of Internet addiction and control mechanisms. The study found themes such as academic research and entertainment as online activities that students engage in; anxiety, depression and academic research as triggers of Internet addiction; self-restraint, awareness creation and administrative restrictions as control mechanisms to evade Internet addiction. It was discovered that in spite of the fact that the Internet helps students positively in many ways, it also impacts them negatively. The study revealed that, it is important to investigate the intensity of Internet addiction among university students. The study concluded that Internet addiction is a vital issue to be attended to immediately. The study recommended to health care professionals and educational counsellors to interact with students on the positive use of the Internet. Also, university counselling centres should create platform where students will be educated on the control mechanisms of Internet addiction such as exercising self-restraint and being purposeful while online.