Published : 2024-06-26

Problematic Internet Use and Styles of Communication in Generation Z

Abstract

Establishing deeper interpersonal relationships is an increasingly serious problem among young people who belong to Generation Z. Concept of problematic Internet use by Young, adapted by Poprawa and Schulz von Thun’s styles of communication served as theoretical background for the presented considerations.

 The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between time spent online, which generates the risk of problematic Internet use, and the quality of interpersonal relationships, a derivative of the preferred style of communication.

In the study Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT) adapted by Poprawa, and Wiggins’ Interpersonal Adjective Scales (IAS), adapted by Sękowski and Klinkosz were used. The pilot study included 139 participants aged 16-18.

The results showed that time spent online had a negative impact on styles of communication, magnifying the phenomenon of social isolation, neglect in interaction with peers and increased anxiety among Gen-Z youth. It was found that higher risk of problematic Internet use and more time spent online can contribute to a decrease in the quality of interpersonal relationships in adolescents who prefer styles of communication which are negative in nature. In addition, those at a lower risk of problematic Internet use are more likely to manifest conversational styles of positive nature. The growing problem of pathological Internet use among Gen-Z was also pointed out, as nearly half of the examined adolescents were at a high risk of its problematic use.

Keywords:

styles of communication, problematic internet use, Generation Z



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Roczniki Kulturoznawcze · ISSN 2082-8578 | eISSN 2544-5219 | DOI: 10.18290/rkult

© Towarzystwo Naukowe KUL & Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II


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