Cognitive Absorption, Cyberloafing, And Problematic Internet Use Among Indian Adolescents: Uncovering The Relationships

Abstract

The number of internet users in India has increased dramatically since the start of the digital era, but as more and more teenagers get access to the internet, worries about the possible consequences of problematic internet use are mounting. The objective of this study was to investigate the connections between problematic internet use, cognitive absorption, and cyberloafing in a group of 399 adolescents. The findings indicated that individuals who experienced cognitive involvement were less likely to engage in problematic internet use, but those who engaged in cyberloafing were more likely to do so. These findings have significant implications for comprehending and mitigating problematic internet usage among adolescents, especially considering India's substantial adolescent population. Implementing strategies that encourage responsible internet usage and discourage cyberloafing can significantly decrease the likelihood of developing hazardous internet habits.