Internet addiction in Hong Kong adolescents : profiles and psychosocial correlates

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence of internet addition among Hong Kong adolescents and its psychosocial correlates in a large sample of early adolescents in Hong Kong. A total of 3328 students (age=12.59±0.74 years) were recruited from 28 secondary schools in Hong Kong. Using Young’s 10-item internet addiction test, 26.4% of the participants were classified as having internet addiction. Age and having divorced parents were positively correlated with pathological use of the internet, while higher academic competence, general positive youth development, and positive and clear identity predicted a lower probability of internet addiction. These results demonstrate that internet addiction has become an emergent youth problem in Hong Kong, which deserves more attention from researchers and professionals. Preventive strategies aiming at risk and protective factors identified in the present study should be developed and implemented.