| Seven hundred thirty-one traditional age (18--24) college students from a large Midwestern university were assessed with an online survey for an impulse control disorder related to their Internet use. Students reporting four or more symptoms of an impulse control disorder related to their Internet use were categorized as Pathological Internet Users. Seven percent of students in the present study met criteria for Pathological Internet Use. The results of the present study suggest that male students may be significantly more likely to engage in Pathological Internet Use than female students. The present study predicted that freshmen (first-year) students would report significantly more symptoms of Pathological Internet Use than upperclassmen. However, this study did not find significant differences in terms of pathological behaviors or cognitions based class standing. The students were also asked to report on how their Internet use impacted various areas of functioning including: current relationships, academic success, getting adequate sleep, and being late for or missing classes. Only 1.2% of students reported their Internet use had negatively impacted their current relationships while 7.9% reported negative impacts on their academic success, 14% reported negative impacts on being late for or missing classes, and 20.7% reported negative impacts on their ability to get enough sleep. Suggestions and considerations are offered for conducting further research online. Finally, the present study offers suggestions for future research of Pathological Internet Use in the college student population and general population. |
