RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTERNET ADDICTION AND SELF-ESTEEM WITH ANXIETY IN PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS

Using modern technologies is a common feature of today's world. The internet has become an indispensable instrument, which often plays a key role in work-related activities. It has also become part of people's leisure time. Since 1990s, internet addiction has attracted professionals as well as general public across the globe. There is no uniform terminology and definition in the literature. In general, addiction to the internet is defined as excessive use of the internet, which brings psychological, social, work or school complications to life. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship of self-esteem and anxiety with internet addiction in pre-service teachers. The participants were 558 pre-service teachers aged 19-26. To determine empirical data, the following research methods were used: Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Young Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Fear and Social Anxiety Scale (KSAT), and Sociodemographic Questionnaire. A significant negative relationship was found between age, self-esteem, and internet addiction among social network users. A significant positive relationship was confirmed between anxiety and internet addiction. Gender differences were identified in anxiety and internet addiction as well.