Impact of Compulsive Internet Use on Cyberbullying and Mental Well-Being among Emerging Adults.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of compulsive internet use on Cyberbullying and mental well-being among emerging adults.

Methods: The study used a Correlational design. The sample consisted of 105 participants aged 18 – 30 recruited through purposive sampling. The Compulsive Internet Use Scale (Gert-Jan Meerkerk, 2008), the Mental Well-Being Scale (Warwick–Edinburgh, 2006), and the Cyberbullying survey were used, respectively. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS (V26) by appropriate statistical methodologies.

Results: Findings indicate compulsive internet use has a positive association with Cyberbullying, which in turn negatively impacts mental well-being. This correlation indicates that the higher the level of Compulsive internet use, the higher the instances of Cyberbullying and lower mental well-being.

Conclusion:  From a theoretical standpoint, it showed that the construct of compulsive internet use was related to cyberbullying and mental well-being. The results suggest that individuals who engage in excessive internet use are more likely to experience higher levels of cyberbullying and have poorer mental well-being.

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