Gender Differences and Relationship Between Internet Addiction and Perceived Social Self-Efficacy Among Adolescents

Numerous studies have been conducted on Internet Addiction and Self Efficacy. However, there is limited evidence on the relationship between Internet Addiction and Perceived Social Self Efficacy. Thus, in the present study, the focus is on gender differences and relationship between Internet Addiction and Perceived Social Self Efficacy among adolescents. For this purpose, Internet Addiction Test (IAT) by Young (1998) and scale of Perceived Social Self Efficacy by Smith and Betz (2000) were administered on a sample of 80 adolescents (40=males, 40=females) in the age range of 15-19 years, respectively .The data was analyzed using t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation method. The results showed significant gender differences on Internet Addiction and Perceived Social Self Efficacy. It was also found that Internet Addiction and Perceived Social Self Efficacy were negatively related. These results may help educational institutions for designing suitable internet addiction prevention programs geared towards the adolescents.