Self-Esteem and Internet Addiction

Moderating Role of Shyness

  • Michael A Ezeh Enugu State University of Science and Technology
  • Ifenna D Ezeanya Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • Ejike A. Okonkwo Enugu State University of Science and Technology
  • Loveth Ifunanya Obi University of Lagos
  • Pamela A Ogbozor Enugu State University of Science and Technology
  • Lawrence E Ugwu Renaissance University, Ugbawka, Enugu State, Nigeria
Keywords: Self-esteem, Internet usage, Undergraduates, shyness, addiction

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between self-esteem and internet addiction, and the indirect effect of shyness or self-doubt on internet addiction. We utilized two-wave design that consisted of 232 undergraduates from southeastern Nigeria with mean age of 20.89 years (SD =2.75). The participants responded to three instruments – a 20-item Internet Addiction Test, a 25-item Index of Self-esteem scale and a 14-item Revised Cheek-Buss Shyness Scale. The hypotheses were tested using Process Macro. The result of the study supported mediating role of shyness in the relationship between self-esteem and internet addiction. Our finding suggests that self-esteem activated by shyness increases internet addiction. Identifying students who have low self-esteem and helping them handle the discomfort they experience as a result of being shy would reduce the reliance on the internet to connect with the real world.

Published
2021-09-09
How to Cite
Ezeh, M. A., Ezeanya, I. D., Okonkwo, E. A., Obi, L. I., Ogbozor, P. A., & Ugwu, L. E. (2021). Self-Esteem and Internet Addiction. ESUT JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, 6(2). Retrieved from https://esutjss.com/index.php/ESUTJSS/article/view/68
Issue
Vol 6 No 2 (2021)
Section
Articles

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