Internet addiction among Norwegian adults: A stratified probability sample study

TLDR

Most Norwegians are Internet users. We conducted a stratified probability sample study (Norway, 2007, age‑group 16‑74 years, N = 3,399, response rate 35.3 %, 87.1 % Internet users) to assess the prevalence of Internet addiction and at‑risk Internet use by the Young Diagnostic Questionnaire (YDQ). The study found that 1.0 % of respondents met criteria for Internet addiction and an additional 5.2 % were at‑risk, with prevalence highest among young males, and logistic regression identified male gender, young age, university education, and poor financial status as risk factors, while higher YDQ scores correlated linearly with increased internet use, sleep disorders, depression, and other psychological impairments, underscoring the substantial impact of problematic Internet use.

Abstract

Most Norwegians are Internet users. We conducted a stratified probability sample study (Norway, 2007, age-group 16-74 years, N= 3,399, response rate 35.3%, 87.1% Internet users) to assess the prevalence of Internet addiction and at-risk Internet use by the Young Diagnostic Questionnaire (YDQ). The prevalence of Internet addiction (YDQ score 5-8) was 1.0% and an additional 5.2% were at-risk Internet users (YDQ score 3-4). Internet addiction and at-risk Internet use was strongly dependent on gender and age with highest prevalences among young males (16-29 years 4.1% and 19.0%, 30-39 years 3.3% and 10.7%). Logistic regression showed that male gender, young age, university level education, and an unsatisfactory financial situation were factors positively associated with "problematic Internet use" (at-risk and addicted use combined). Time spent on the Internet and prevalence of self-reported sleeping disorders, depression, and other psychological impairments increased linearly with YDQ score. Problematic Internet use clearly affects the lives of many people.