The Moderating Effect of Geographic Area on the Relationship Between Age, Gender, and Information and Communication Technology Literacy and Problematic Internet Use

• DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2017.0503
• Publication Date: 2018-06-08T18:14:29Z
• Authors: Liang Yu; Mimi Recker; Shijian Chen; Nan Zhao; Qiuyan Yang
• Keywords: Moderation

This study investigated the relationship between adolescents' problematic Internet use (PIU) and demographic characteristics such as age, gender, information communication technology (ICT) literacy moderating effect of geographic area on this using a cross-sectional research design. The sample comprised 2160 adolescents from Chongqing China consisted 47.3 percent boys (N = 1022) 52.7 girls 1138). Participants anonymously completed 38-item questionnaire that examined their use, behaviors, attitudes, ICT literacy, parents' education level, other information. results showed in which respondents lived (urban vs. rural), father's education, mother's had significant relationships with PIU. Moreover, hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated was found to be moderator for both age gender These findings suggest it is essential address differences urban rural areas when seeking mitigate PIU among adolescents.