Internet Addiction, Personality Traits, Well-Being, and Loneliness Among Adolescents: A Correlational Study

Abstract

Aims:
This study investigates the relationship between Internet addiction, personality traits (Big Five), psychological well-being, and loneliness among Indian adolescents. It aims to identify personality predictors of Internet addiction and assess its psychological impact.

Methods:
A cross-sectional design was employed with 200 adolescents aged 13–19 years from urban and semi-urban schools in North India. Participants completed Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), WHO-5 Well-Being Index, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, independent-samples t-tests, and multiple regression.

Results:
The sample demonstrated moderate levels of Internet addiction (M = 52.4, SD = 10.7). Neuroticism positively predicted Internet addiction (β = .38, p < .01), while extraversion negatively predicted it (β = –.26, p < .01). A significant negative correlation was found between Internet addiction and well-being (r = –.49, p < .001), and a positive correlation with loneliness (r = .56, p < .001). Male adolescents exhibited significantly higher IAT scores than females (t = 2.94, p < .01). Adolescents with higher IAT scores also scored higher on neuroticism and lower on conscientiousness.

Conclusions:
The findings suggest that certain personality traits, particularly high neuroticism and low extraversion or conscientiousness, may predispose adolescents to problematic Internet use. Internet addiction is strongly associated with lower well-being and increased loneliness. These findings have practical implications for school-based interventions and digital wellness programs targeting vulnerable youth populations in India.