Personality and gender as predictors of internet addiction among Nigerian undergraduate

Abstract

This study examined gender and personality traits as predictors of internet addiction among undergraduate students. Participants were 506 undergraduate students (289 male and 217 female, mean age = 22.47, SD =2.19), conveniently drawn from four faculties in the University of Abuja, Nigeria. Measures for data collection were Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and Big Five Personality Inventory (BFI). Multiple regression was used for the statistical analysis. Results showed that gender did not significantly predict internet addiction. Neuroticism and openness to experience positively predicted internet addiction. Extraversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness negatively predicted internet addiction. The findings of the study suggest strongly that personality traits should be given high consideration by psychologists and psychoterapists as an important factor that may lead to addiction to internet use, and these factors need to tbe recognised in assessing internet addiction victims.