The Impact of Internet Addiction on Interpersonal Relationships and Social Functioning among Ghanaian Students

Abstract

Internet addiction is one of the growing social problems in many African countries and Ghana is no exception. Hence, this cross-sectional study assessed the impact of internet addiction on interpersonal relationship and social functioning. It also examined whether demographic characteristics such as sex and educational levels influence internet addiction, interpersonal relationship and social functioning. A sample of 330 Student respondents from University of Ghana, Action Progressive Institute and St Peters Junior High School were used. Data was analyzed using Pearson r, One-Way ANOVA, MANOVA, Simple and Hierarchical Regression Analysis. The results from the analysis indicated that there was a significant negative relationship between internet addiction and interpersonal relationship. There was no significant relationship between internet addiction and social functioning as well as between internet addiction and the subgroups of social functioning. A significant positive relationship existed between interpersonal relationship and social functioning. Internet addiction accounted for a significant variance in interpersonal relationship compared to social functioning. No significant difference existed between males and females on internet addiction. No significant difference was found to exist in interpersonal relationship between females and males with higher levels of internet addiction. Undergraduate respondents and senior high school respondents did not differ in their level of internet addiction compared to junior high students. Undergraduate, senior high and junior high students do not differ in social functioning. Necessary implications and recommendations to the educational sector, clinicians, parents and Future research studies have appropriately been made. Based on the findings, it is recommended that parents and teachers put restrains on the use of internet among student to curb the negative consequences associated with internet addiction among students and the society as a whole.