Effects of Internet Use on Junior High School Students' Loneliness and Social Support

Abstract

Previous studies showed that the Internet could have both negative and positive psychological effects, such as negative ones on loneliness and positive ones on social support. But most studies so far were conducted for adults, and there were few studies for children. To examine the effects of Internet use on children's loneliness and social support, we conducted a panel study of 298 junior high school students. The effects of Internet use were examined for each Internet tool and each purpose. As a result, Internet use was found to have positive effects on the students: frequent e-mail use reduced loneliness in friendships, and longer Internet use increased social support from cyber-friends and off-line friends. Especially, longer Internet use in many tools and purposes increased social support from cyber-friends.