Personality Types as Correlates of Internet Dependence and Specific Internet Usage among Students of University of Ilorin, Nigeria
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Date
2013
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Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Abstract
The underlying factors determining internet dependence and specific internet usages are quite
enormous especially for students. In view of this, this study examined personality types as
correlate of Internet dependence and specific usages such as browsing, instant messaging,
social network media, internet games and others amongst University of Ilorin students.
Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were utilized to analyze data collected on a sample
size of 425 students that were selected based on simple random sampling technique. Findings
from the data analyses revealed significant positive and negative relationships established
between the three personality types (Extroversion, Neuroticism and Psychoticism) and
specific internet usages. It was observed that the three personality types have high
correlations with either communications or entertainment related usages or both in varying
degrees. Similarly, significant positive relationships were established between the three
personality types and internet dependence. Neuroticism personality type for instance has the
highest correlation (of .214) depicting that introverts are more dependent on virtual
interactions due to their less involvement in face to face interactions. Gender difference is
observed in specific internet usages and internet dependence between males and females.
Males‟ dependence on the internet and quantum of specific usages is higher than females.
Again, age difference is noticeable in the specific internet usages. The categories of students
in the age range of 19-22 years have the highest in all the specific usages compared to other
age groups. The study concluded by recommending that future studies should consider the
impact of well-being outcomes on internet dependence and specific internet usages amongst
students in Nigeria‟s higher institutions of learning. These outcomes include, among others,
relationship problems, academic failure, self-esteem, social support, loneliness and anxiety.
By doing this, socio psychological problems emanating from excessive internet usage by
campus students can be alleviated and controlled.
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Keywords
Personality, Internet, Dependence, Usages