Is internet addiction a distinct construct from other psychopathological conditions? Evidence from a panel study on a representative sample in Hong Kong, China

Abstract

Despite the increasing concern over the potential adverse effects of excessive internet use, especially among young people, there is debate over its definition, magnitude and discriminant validity. This study aims to examine the prevalence of adolescents’ internet addiction in Hong Kong, China; to test its differentiation from other correlates; and to examine its relationships with correlates. Based on a two-wave panel household survey with representative samples of 208 adolescents, participants were asked to self-report their internet usage, symptoms of internet addiction, psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial conditions. The prevalence rate of having five or more symptoms of internet addiction was estimated to be 6.7%. The discriminatory characteristic of internet addiction was demonstrated. Positive relationships were found between the symptoms of internet addiction and one-year changes in suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms. Evidence supports the specificity of internet addiction, and its symptoms seem to co-occur with individuals’ suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms.