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Searching for self and relationships online.

M Kyle Matsuba1

  • 1Psychology Department, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. matsubak@unbc.ca

Cyberpsychology & Behavior : the Impact of the Internet, Multimedia and Virtual Reality on Behavior and Society
|June 20, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Internet use correlates with increased loneliness and lower self-concept clarity in university students. However, it may aid in adult identity formation during a crucial developmental stage.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Media Studies

Background:

  • The increasing prevalence of internet use among young adults necessitates understanding its psychological and social impacts.
  • Adolescence and young adulthood are critical periods for identity development and relationship formation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between internet use and psychological well-being, interpersonal relationships, and identity.
  • To examine how time spent online and patterns of internet engagement affect key aspects of self and social connection.

Main Methods:

  • A sample of 203 university students completed comprehensive questionnaires.
  • Measures included internet usage frequency, "pathological" internet use, motivations for internet use, loneliness, relationship quality, self-concept clarity, and ego identity status.

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Main Results:

  • Higher internet use was positively associated with increased feelings of loneliness.
  • Face-to-face relationships were perceived as higher in quality (both positive and negative aspects) compared to online relationships.
  • Internet use showed a negative correlation with self-concept clarity and was linked to a moratorium identity status.

Conclusions:

  • Internet engagement among young adults is associated with specific psychological outcomes, including loneliness and identity exploration.
  • While potentially contributing to challenges in self-concept clarity, internet use may serve as a tool for identity development in emerging adulthood.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the nuanced role of the internet in the psychosocial development of young adults.