Study on Influence of Computer Dependence on Characterological

Features of Personality in Adolescents

L. Nigmatulina

and L. Zhabarova

†

National University of Uzbekistan named after M. Ulugbek,Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Keywords: Personality, Computer Addiction, Internet Addiction, Codependence, Emotional Properties, Communicative

Properties.

Abstract: This study investigates the correlation between computer addiction and personality traits, particularly

emotionality and communicativeness, in adolescents. Findings indicate that computer-dependent teens

display heightened aggression, irresponsibility, and self-centredness, coupled with deficient communication

skills. They also exhibit self-criticism, low self-esteem, introversion, and social passivity, turning to virtual

reality for communication. The study further distinguishes the associations of computer game addiction and

internet addiction with different individual traits. The research underscores the necessity of group work, self-

regulation, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and fostering new hobbies as corrective measures. The

study concludes that computer addiction is an emergent societal issue requiring comprehensive preventative

and corrective strategies by various professionals, including psychologists and educators.

1 INTRODUCTION

In today's world, no average family can function

without computers. The interaction with computers is

unceasing - at work, at home, and during transport,

with the age of usage steadily declining. Despite

computer technology playing a pivotal role in our

lives, we often fail to recognise our growing

dependence on this innovative marvel.

According to О.B.Simatova, the initial addiction to

computers forms before an individual truly

acknowledges its presence [Simatova O.B. (2006);

133]. This can be attributed to the emotional

experiences that technology incites. As an individual

begins interacting with a computer, solving various

problems, it becomes an integral part of their life,

eventually transforming into a 'friend'. It is this bond

that often leads to an obsessive dependency,

irrespective of the nature of interaction – work-related

tasks, gaming, programming, or internet research

[Simatova O.B. 2006].

A.E.Voiskunsky theorises computer addiction as a

subset of internet addictions, which include

information overload, compulsive internet use,

Corresponding author

dependency on virtual relationships, and others.

Conversely, P.Muntyan posits that internet addiction

should be classified under computer addictions,

alongside dependency on computer games and the

computer itself. This latter classification seems more

accurate, considering that both internet and gaming

addictions contribute to the broader computer

addiction, i.e., the irresistible urge to engage with the

device for work, play or research [Muntyan P.].

Computer addictions manifest much quicker than

other dependencies such as smoking, alcohol, or

gambling. As per A.E. Voiskunsky’s ‘Psychological

phenomena of Internet addiction’, K. Yang's research

reveals that 25% of addicts developed the addiction

within six months of starting usage, 58% during the

second half of the year, and 17% after a year

[Zavalishina O.V. 2012].

"Despite the initial positive aspects of computer

addiction, like any other addiction, it eventually leads

to personal degradation, social status decline, loss of

self-identity, worsened psychological state,

emergence of aggression and isolation" [Zavalishina

O.V. (2012), p.141].

Nigmatulina, L. and Zhabarova, L.

Study on Inﬂuence of Computer Dependence on Characterological Features of Personality in Adolescents.

DOI: 10.5220/0012477000003792

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 1st Pamir Transboundary Conference for Sustainable Societies (PAMIR 2023), pages 55-57

ISBN: 978-989-758-687-3

The phenomenon of 'co-dependence' is also observed

in computer addiction, where relatives or friends of

the addict, aware of their loved one's issue,

inadvertently develop a dependency themselves.

Consequently, they are unable to provide any

psychological support to the primary addict; instead,

they inadvertently exacerbate the situation, becoming

fully-fledged addicts themselves.

2 METHODS

In conducting the study, methods such as observation,

conversation, psychological testing, questioning, and

mathematical statistics were utilised. More

specifically, for the empirical examination of the

problem, the following tools were employed:

Kimberley S. Young's "Internet Addiction Test", L.N.

Yuryeva and T.Yu. Bolbot's "Method of Screening

Diagnostics of Computer Addiction", the "Personal

Differential" (LD) method, R.B. Kettel's

"Methodology for Multifactorial Personality

Research" (Form C with 105 questions), and the

"Methodology for Diagnosing Personality

Orientation" by B. Bass (also known as Smekal-

Kuchera Questionnaire; Bass Orientation

Questionnaire).

3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The aim of our investigation was to pinpoint

alterations in how computer addiction impacts

characterological personality traits in younger and

older teenagers in the current era.

Figure 1: Age, gender and regional data on computer addiction.

The findings revealed that the majority of the

younger and older teenagers scrutinised exhibited a

tendency towards computer addiction, with this

propensity more prevalent among those residing in

the capital than in other regions and districts of the

republic. This discrepancy is attributable to urban

children having greater accessibility to information

technology than their rural counterparts.

Computer addiction is notably more pronounced

in older adolescents, likely due to their longer

engagement with computer technology. Gender

differences are also apparent, with males

demonstrating higher computer addiction than

females. This trend is more evident among younger

adolescents and less so in the older age group. This

can be linked to gender-specific traits, as computer

dependency primarily manifests in individuals with

diminished communication skills and low emotional

intelligence, traits less commonly associated with

females according to many social studies. Over time,

gender influence may diminish due to the universal

adoption of new information technologies and the

PAMIR 2023 - The First Pamir Transboundary Conference for Sustainable Societies- | PAMIR

elevated status bestowed upon teenagers adept at

utilising various computer hardware "gadgets".

4 CONCLUSION

Our investigation demonstrated that computer

addiction correlates with personality traits such as

emotionality and communicativeness. Unlike their

peers, computer-dependent younger and older

teenagers tend to display traits like aggressiveness,

dominance, irresponsibility, disorganisation, self-

centeredness, frustration, and a lack of

communication skills.

In comparison to their counterparts not

susceptible to computer addiction, teenagers who are

predisposed to it exhibit a critical self-perception,

marked by dissatisfaction with their own behaviour,

achievements, and personality traits. In terms of self-

confidence, computer-dependent individuals struggle

to achieve their goals, control situations, assert

themselves, and typically suffer from low self-

esteem. In the realm of interpersonal relationships,

such individuals often display isolation, introversion,

and a passive approach to social interactions. Their

inability to establish harmonious interpersonal

relationships and to undertake leading activities due

to their personality traits propels them into the virtual

reality where they find the "safest" way to fulfil their

communication needs. Individuals prone to computer

addiction are found to be less impacted in terms of

their characterological personality traits. Computer

game addiction is associated with communicative and

emotional traits, while internet addiction is linked to

communicative and regulatory characteristics.

Within the plethora of approaches and methodologies

available to address the issue of computer addiction,

several common trends emerge. These include the

utilisation of group correction methods and individual

work aimed at improving relationships with family

and peers, teaching self-regulation, enhancing coping

skills, fostering willpower, elevating self-esteem, and

cultivating new life interests. The critical step in the

correction of computer addiction involves the

cessation of computer-related activities. Group

correction methods primarily focus on enhancing the

activity and independence of addicts, fostering

personal development and improving relationships

with others. Computer addiction is a burgeoning

societal issue requiring effective prevention and

intervention strategies deployed by psychologists,

psychiatrists, teachers, and other professionals.

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Kotlyarov A.V. (2006)Other drugs. - M.: Psychotherapy,.

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kompyuternoy-addikcii-zavisimost-ot-kompyuternyh-

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Pribylova Yu.O. (2005) Psychological problems of modern

schoolchildren in the field of information technology //

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Study on Inﬂuence of Computer Dependence on Characterological Features of Personality in Adolescents