Influence of Personality Traits on Internet Addiction among University Undergraduates

Abstract

This study investigated personality traits and loneliness as predictors of interest addiction among university undergraduates. A total of 360 university undergraduates selected across departments and faculties at Caritas University Enugu were used as sample for the study. The participants who were between the ages of 18-23 years comprise of 201 females and 159 males. Three instruments were used for data collection i.e. internet addiction test (IAT) young (1998), Big Five Personality Inventories (BFI) John and Srivastava (1990), . Survey research design was adopted while Linear regression was used for data analysis. Findings revealed that Personality trait extroversion, shows a negative predictor of internet addiction among undergraduates (β= -.313, P< .001), Agreeableness also showed a significant negative predictor of internet addiction among undergraduates (β= -.499, P< .001). Conscientiousness did not show a significant prediction on internet addiction among undergraduates (β= .155, P> .05). Neuroticism showed a significant positive predictor of internet addiction among adolescents (β= .506, P< .001). Openness to experience showed a significant positive predictor of internet addiction among undergraduates (β= .522, P< .001). Findings were discussed in relation with literature reviewed and recommendations were also made.