The Effect of Mobile and Internet Addiction on Self-esteem among Adolescents

Abstract

This study examined the effect of self-esteem on mobile and internet addiction among adolescents. The Internet Addiction Scale (IAS), Mobile Phone Dependence Questionnaire (MPDQ) and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale were used to obtain data from 216 adolescents, 109 male and 107 female participants. The obtained data was analyzed using Pearson-product Moment correlation and descriptive statistics using mean, standard deviation, maximum and minimum scores.  The results indicated that there was a negative correlation between self-esteem and internet addiction, a positive correlation between mobile addiction and self-esteem and strong positive correlation between mobile addiction and internet addiction. Gender differences were also noted between the variables. These results are discussed with reference to related literature and conclusions drawn.