Problematic Internet use in a sample of Colombian university students

Abstract

Internet is a tool that facilitates the development of academic and social activities, business and entertainment. However, particular bevavior may arise in relation with its overuse. This research aims to identify sociodemographic characteristics and type of Internet use in a sample of Colombian university students and relate it to the possible use problematic. The sample consisted of 595 students from the University of Ibagué of 16-34 years of age who completed all three sections of the questionnaire: (1) socio-demographic data, (2) Internet usage information and (3) an adapted version of the Internet Addiction Test - IAT- (Young, 1998a). The results showed two groups, one with controlled use of the internet (88%) and one with problematic use (12 %), only one case showed addictive use. Problematic Internet use was related to the number of hours pent on social networks, chat, sites with adult content and movies. The use of these Internet applications generated interference in daily activities.