Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Anthony Perry

Abstract

Internet and social media misuse contributes to negative mental health outcomes among young adults. Because research suggests that cultural attitudes may influence Internet use, using Hofstede’s cultural dimension theory as the foundation, the purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which race and collectivistic/individualistic cultural attitudes predict Internet addiction and nomophobia. The sample included 250 college students (140 Caucasian, 110 African American) between the ages of 18 and 22. Participants completed the Horizontal & Vertical Individualism Collectivism II scale, the Internet Addiction Test, and the Nomophobia Questionnaire. The results revealed that race was a predictor of Internet addiction with African American college students having higher levels of Internet addiction. Additionally, higher levels of horizontal individualism significantly predicted lower levels of Internet addiction, higher levels of vertical individualism predicted higher levels of Internet addiction, and vertical individualism and vertical collectivism were significant predictors of nomophobia. Students with higher levels of vertical individualism and vertical collectivism also showed higher levels of nomophobia. These results may lead to positive social change through the development of inclusive intervention and prevention resources for young college students at risk for Internet addiction and nomophobia.

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