PREVALENCE OF INTERNET ADDICATION AMONG A SAMPLE OF TRIPOLI UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Due to the excessive use of internet among university students academically and socially, this may make them to become addicted to it. This study aimed at assess the prevalence of Internet addiction among University students. Exploring whether there are differences in the prevalence of Internet addiction among university students according to gender, and knowing whether there are differences in the level of severity of Internet addiction according to gender. The study sample consisted of 265 students (158 male, 107 female). The results indicated that the prevalence of Internet addiction was 68.08%, most of participants (51.06%) had a mild addiction, while 17.02% had a moderate addiction, and 36.17% did not have Internet addiction. The results also showed that the prevalence of Internet addiction among males was 72%, most of them (56%) had a slight degree of addiction, while 16% had a medium degree. The prevalence of Internet addiction among females was 54.54%, most of them had a slight degree of addiction (36.36%), and 13.63% had a medium degree. There were no significant differences between males and females in the percentage of individuals suffering from Internet addiction. There were no significant differences in the level of Internet addiction, according to gender.