The relationship between problematic internet using emotional intelligence and some sociodemographic variables

Objective: The aim of this study is to identify problematic internet use in university students and relations between problematic internet use and emotional intelligence and some sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: 432 students participated to the study and data were collected by using questionnaire for sociodemographic characteristics, Online Cognition Scale and Emotional Intelligence Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-test, Pearson Correlation Analysis and Stepwise Hierarchical Regression Analysis were employed to evaluate the data. Results: Results indicated that problematic internet use rate is 15.9%, there is negative correlation between Online Cognition Scale and Emotional Intelligence Scale, and gender (being male), departments of students, using internet for social interaction and emotional intelligence are predictors of problematic internet use. Conclusion: Students are thought to be a risk group for problematic internet use, further studies are needed and precautions should be improved.