An Analysis of Internet Dependency and Happiness Quotient among Youth

Abstract

The objective of the present study is to examine and analyze the relationship between the internet dependency and happiness quotient among youth. There is a widespread notion that increased usage and dependency on  internet is connected to the subjective happiness of the youth of the day .The study was conducted  by comparing internet addicted and non-addicted college students on the measure of subjective happiness. It was hypothesized that there will be significant difference between no, mild and moderately (internet) addicted college students on the measure of subjective happiness. For this purpose, the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) [1] and the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) [2] was administered on college going students, males or females between the ages of 18 to 21 years. The data was gathered form = 44 and subsequently for N=143 non addicts, low and moderate internet addicted college students. ForN=143, the results were found to be insignificant. Reasons for the findings, limitations of the study and suggestions for future research have been discussed in the light of the available literature and supported by the study results.