Scientific Explanation of Personalities Prone to Internet Addiction

Internet addiction has become a familiar problem for people in modern times.

With the spread of smartphones, an environment where the internet can be used anytime, anywhere has been established.

As a result, many people have come to spend a lot of time on the internet.

Among them, some people’s internet usage becomes excessive, causing disruption to their daily lives.

This condition is called “internet addiction” and may have negative effects on mental and physical health.

So, what kind of people are prone to internet addiction?

Recently, attention has been focused on the relationship between internet addiction and personality traits.

Personality traits are characteristics that influence a person’s behavioral and thought patterns.

An overseas research team published the results of a meta-analysis examining the relationship between internet addiction and personality traits.

The paper’s title is “Big five-personality trait and internet addiction: A meta-analytic review“.

This article will explain the content of this research in an easy-to-understand manner for everyone.

Once again, personality researcher and author of Villain Encyclopedia, Tokiwa (@etokiwa999), will provide the explanation.
※We have developed the HEXACO-JP Personality Assessment! It has more scientific basis than MBTI. Tap below for details.

Research on the Relationship Between Internet Addiction and Personality Traits

Definition and Problems of Internet Addiction

It refers to a condition where excessive use of the internet causes disruption to daily life.
People with internet addiction become anxious or irritated when they don’t use the internet.
They may also lose the ability to control their internet usage time.
It can cause the following problems.

• Decreased efficiency in studies or work
• Deterioration of relationships with family and friends
• Physical health problems (lack of sleep, lack of exercise, etc.)
• Economic problems arise

As such, internet addiction can have serious effects on an individual’s life.
Therefore, it is considered important to clarify the causes and prevention methods of internet addiction.

What is the “Big Five” Personality Traits

The Big Five is a representative model that describes human personality through five traits.
It consists of the following five traits.

1. Openness: Preference for new experiences and ideas
2. Conscientiousness: Acting in a disciplined and planned manner
3. Extraversion: Being sociable and acting positively
4. Agreeableness: Being thoughtful and cooperative
5. Neuroticism: Tendency to become anxious easily and having unstable emotions

These traits are thought to be formed through the influence of both genetics and environment.
Also, the strength of traits varies greatly among individuals, with each person having different personalities.
The Big Five is often used in psychological research as a framework for comprehensively understanding personality.

ビッグファイブ(Big Five)診断とは？概要・遺伝・MBTIとの関連

The Significance of Examining the Relationship Between Internet Addiction and Personality

By examining the relationship between internet addiction and personality traits, the characteristics of people at high risk become clear.
This is expected to provide knowledge useful for prevention and treatment.
For example, if personality traits that make people prone to internet addiction are identified, we can alert people with such characteristics.
Also, when creating treatment programs, methods tailored to personality traits could be incorporated.
Conversely, if personality traits that make people less prone to internet addiction are clarified, there is potential for prevention through education that develops such traits.
In this way, exploring the relationship between internet addiction and personality is an important step toward solving the problem.

Meta-Analysis Research on the Relationship Between Internet Addiction and Personality Traits

Meta-Analysis Procedures and Target Studies

Meta-analysis is a method that statistically integrates multiple research results to clarify overall trends.
In this study, 12 studies examining the relationship between internet addiction and personality traits were analyzed.
First, academic paper databases were searched to collect related studies.
As a result, 123 studies were found, but after excluding duplicate studies, 73 remained.
Furthermore, studies that did not measure both internet addiction and personality traits, or studies that did not report necessary data, were excluded.
Finally, 12 studies became the target of the meta-analysis.
From these studies, a total of 13 effect sizes (indicators representing the magnitude of effects) were calculated.

Correlation Between the Five Personality Traits and Internet Addiction

The meta-analysis results showed that all five Big Five personality traits had significant correlations with internet addiction.
Four traits – openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness – had negative correlations with internet addiction.
This means that people with high levels of these traits tend to be less prone to it.
On the other hand, neuroticism had a positive correlation with internet addiction.
People with high neuroticism were suggested to be more prone to it.
Looking at the strength of correlations, conscientiousness had the strongest negative correlation with internet addiction, while the correlation with openness was the weakest.
Also, a moderate positive correlation was observed between neuroticism and internet addiction.
From these results, it can be said that personality traits are closely related to internet addiction.

Relationship Between Openness and Internet Addiction

Openness is a personality trait that has a negative correlation with internet addiction.
People high in openness tend to prefer new experiences and ideas.
They might enjoy exploring information on the internet.
However, since they are also interested in the real world, they are unlikely to become excessively absorbed in the internet.
This meta-analysis also found a weak negative correlation between openness and internet addiction.
However, some past studies have reported positive correlations or no significant correlations between openness and internet addiction.
The influence of openness may vary depending on other factors.
In any case, openness is considered to work in the direction of reducing the risk of internet addiction.

開放性とは？ビッグファイブ診断・MBTIのNとSとの関連など

Relationship Between Conscientiousness and Internet Addiction

Conscientiousness was found to be the personality trait with the strongest negative correlation with internet addiction.
People high in conscientiousness tend to be disciplined and have strong self-control.
Therefore, they are considered capable of moderately controlling their internet use.
Additionally, since they act planfully, they may be able to effectively manage the time they spend on the internet.
In fact, past research has consistently reported negative correlations between conscientiousness and internet addiction.
In this meta-analysis, conscientiousness showed the strongest negative correlation with internet addiction (r = -0.21).
This suggests that high conscientiousness can serve as a powerful protective factor against internet addiction.
Developing conscientiousness is expected to potentially help prevent internet addiction.

誠実性とは？ビッグファイブ診断・MBTIのJとPとの関連など

Relationship Between Extroversion and Internet Addiction

It was found that there is a negative correlation between extroversion and internet addiction.
People high in extroversion tend to be sociable and enjoy interpersonal relationships.
Since they enjoy socializing in the real world, they are considered less likely to become absorbed in the internet world.
Additionally, extroverted people are active in going out, so they may naturally have more opportunities to stay away from the internet.
This meta-analysis found a moderate negative correlation between extroversion and internet addiction.
However, some past studies have shown positive correlations or no significant correlations between extroversion and internet addiction.
The influence of extroversion may vary depending on the situation.
However, overall, extroversion seems to have the effect of reducing the risk of internet addiction.

内向的な性格とは？具体的な強みを研究をもとに解説

Relationship Between Agreeableness and Internet Addiction

Agreeableness was also found to be a personality trait that has a negative correlation with internet addiction.
People high in agreeableness are compassionate and enjoy cooperating with others.
Since they value interpersonal relationships, they are considered unlikely to become absorbed in the internet world.
Additionally, people high in agreeableness may use the internet modestly because they try to respond to requests from others.
This meta-analysis also found a moderate negative correlation between agreeableness and internet addiction.
Past research has consistently reported negative correlations between agreeableness and internet addiction.
This suggests that high agreeableness can be considered one of the factors that reduce the risk of internet addiction.
Fostering agreeableness may potentially lead to the prevention of internet addiction.

協調性とは？ビッグファイブ診断・MBTIのFとTとの関連など

Relationship Between Neuroticism and Internet Addiction

Neuroticism is the only personality trait that has a positive correlation with internet addiction.
People high in neuroticism tend to be prone to anxiety and have low tolerance for stress.
They may prefer internet communication because they feel anxious about interpersonal relationships in the real world.
Additionally, they may use the internet as a means of coping with stress, which could lead to addiction.
This meta-analysis found a moderate positive correlation between neuroticism and internet addiction (r = 0.18).
Past research has repeatedly reported positive associations between neuroticism and internet addiction.
This suggests that high neuroticism is considered a factor that increases the risk of internet addiction.
Addressing neuroticism will be important in the prevention and treatment of internet addiction.

神経症傾向とは？ビッグファイブ診断・MBTIとの関連など解説

Conscientiousness Showed the Strongest Correlation

The meta-analysis results showed that conscientiousness had the strongest correlation with internet addiction.
A relatively strong negative correlation was found between conscientiousness and internet addiction.
This is the largest correlation coefficient among the five personality traits.
People high in conscientiousness are considered to be able to control their internet use well because they have strong self-control and act planfully.
On the other hand, people low in conscientiousness may tend to be impulsive and spend excessive time on the internet.
This suggests that conscientiousness is a particularly important personality trait in preventing internet addiction.
Education and training to enhance conscientiousness may potentially help prevent internet addiction.

Four Personality Traits as Protective Factors

The meta-analysis revealed that four personality traits – openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, and agreeableness – serve as protective factors against internet addiction.
People high in these traits tend to be less likely to develop internet addiction.
People high in openness are considered less likely to become dependent on the internet because they are interested in activities other than the internet.
People high in conscientiousness can probably moderately suppress their internet use because they have strong self-control.
People high in extroversion are presumed to have low need to become absorbed in the internet because they enjoy interpersonal relationships.
People high in agreeableness are considered to use the internet modestly out of consideration for others.
It was suggested that developing these four personality traits could potentially serve as a preventive measure against internet addiction.

Neuroticism as a Risk Factor

On the other hand, neuroticism was found to be a personality trait that increases the risk of internet addiction.
People high in neuroticism tend to feel anxiety and stress more easily, which may make them more susceptible to internet addiction.
They may feel anxious about real-life interpersonal relationships and prefer online communication.
They may also use the internet as a means of coping with stress, leading to the risk of addiction.
In this meta-analysis, a moderate positive correlation was observed between neuroticism and internet addiction.
This suggests that people high in neuroticism tend to be more prone to internet addiction.
Special attention needs to be paid to the prevention and treatment of internet addiction for people high in neuroticism.
Additionally, learning coping strategies for neuroticism is thought to be helpful in preventing internet addiction.

依存症になりやすい性格(薬物・ギャンブル・酒・ニコチン)

Utilizing Personality Traits for Internet Addiction Prevention and Treatment

Importance of Personality-Informed Approaches

Approaches that consider personality traits are considered important in the prevention and treatment of internet addiction.
The meta-analysis results revealed that personality traits are closely related to internet addiction.
Therefore, when considering measures for internet addiction, it is important to take into account individual personality traits.

For example, for people high in neuroticism, teaching coping strategies for anxiety and stress might be effective. On the other hand, for people low in conscientiousness, training to enhance self-control would be considered useful.

By developing prevention and treatment methods tailored to personality traits, efforts to address internet addiction problems are expected to become more effective.

Additionally, by considering personality traits, it would be possible to identify people at high risk for internet addiction early and connect them to appropriate support.

Approaches utilizing personality traits can be said to be one promising strategy toward solving internet addiction problems.

Application to Internet Addiction Screening

Personality traits may also be applicable to screening for internet addiction.

The meta-analysis revealed the relationship between specific personality traits and internet addiction. By utilizing this knowledge, personality tests might be able to identify people at high risk for internet addiction.

For example, people who are high in neuroticism and low in conscientiousness tend to be more susceptible. If people with such personality traits can be identified early and alerted, it would contribute to preventing internet addiction.

Additionally, by regularly conducting personality tests, it is thought that early signs can be detected.

However, since personality traits are only one factor in internet addiction, other indicators need to be combined for screening.

Screening utilizing personality traits has the potential to contribute to early detection and early intervention for internet addiction.

Potential for Education that Develops Protective Factors

Education that develops personality traits serving as protective factors against internet addiction may help prevent internet addiction.

The meta-analysis suggested that openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness serve as protective factors against internet addiction.

If educational programs to foster these personality traits could be implemented, the risk might be reduced.

For example, self-control training to enhance conscientiousness or communication education to foster agreeableness could be considered.

Additionally, providing opportunities to experience diverse activities other than the internet would be effective for developing openness.

By incorporating such initiatives into school education, preventive effects can be expected.

However, since personality traits are influenced by both genetics and environment, individual differences in educational effectiveness are expected.

Education that develops protective factors can be said to be worth considering as one preventive measure for internet addiction.

Early Intervention for High-Risk Individuals

Early intervention is considered important for people at high risk for internet addiction, such as those high in neuroticism.

The meta-analysis results showed that neuroticism is a factor that increases the risk of internet addiction. People high in neuroticism tend to experience anxiety and stress easily, making them prone to internet dependency.

It is important to identify such people early and provide appropriate support.

For example, teaching stress coping methods or relaxation techniques to alleviate anxiety might be effective.

Additionally, addressing psychological issues underlying internet dependency through counseling would be important.

Early intervention for high-risk individuals is essential for preventing the escalation of internet addiction.

Using personality traits as clues, it is necessary to identify people who need support and provide appropriate intervention.

心理療法で性格を変える！認知行動療法など論文で解説

Development of Personality-Tailored Treatment Programs

When developing treatment programs for internet addiction, it is considered important to take personality traits into consideration.

The meta-analysis revealed the relationship between personality traits and internet addiction. By utilizing this knowledge, it might be possible to create treatment programs tailored to personality traits.

For example, for people with high neuroticism, treatment focused on coping methods for anxiety and stress would be effective. On the other hand, for people with low conscientiousness, behavioral therapy to enhance self-control is considered useful.

Additionally, for people with low extroversion, incorporating interpersonal skills training may be effective.

In this way, by providing treatment programs tailored to personality traits, recovery from internet addiction can be expected to be promoted.

However, since personality traits are only one factor in internet addiction, treatment programs need to incorporate other elements as well.

The development of treatment programs tailored to personality can be said to be a promising approach for improving treatment outcomes for internet addiction.

マインドフルネスでネガティブ思考を改善する方法とは？

Limitations of This Study and Future Challenges

Limited Number of Studies Included in Analysis

One limitation of this study is that the number of studies included in the meta-analysis was small.

This analysis used 12 studies that examined the relationship between internet addiction and personality traits, but this cannot be considered a large number.

When the number of studies is small, the reliability of results may be reduced.

Also, since the study participants and scales used differ, caution is needed in interpreting the results. In the future, it will be necessary to collect more studies and conduct meta-analyses.

In particular, it will be important to increase studies targeting groups with different cultures and age groups.

By increasing the number of studies, more reliable knowledge about the relationship between internet addiction and personality traits is expected to be obtained. However, ensuring the quality of studies is also important.

Increasing the number of studies included in the analysis can be said to be one of the future challenges.

Problems with Self-Report Measures

All scales used in this study were self-report measures.

Self-report measures are based on respondents’ subjective views, so there is a possibility of bias.

For example, tendencies to give socially desirable responses or problems with being unable to accurately evaluate one’s own condition can be considered.

Particularly regarding internet addiction, some people may underestimate the degree of their addiction or try to hide it. Also, regarding personality traits, objectively grasping one’s own personality has difficult aspects.

The possibility that such problems with self-report measures influenced the results cannot be denied.

In the future, research using objective indicators such as behavioral observation is considered necessary.

By combining subjective evaluation with objective evaluation, more accurate understanding of the actual situation will become possible.

It is necessary to interpret results while considering the limitations of self-report measures.

Causal Relationships Remain Unclear

This study examined the relationship between internet addiction and personality traits, but could not clarify causal relationships.

What was obtained from the meta-analysis was knowledge about correlational relationships.

While there is a possibility that personality traits influence internet addiction, it is also possible that internet addiction changes personality traits.

Also, there may be other factors that influence both personality traits and internet addiction.

For example, stressful environments or interpersonal relationship problems may be in the background.

In this way, further research is needed to identify causal relationships between personality traits and internet addiction.

Using longitudinal research designs or experimental methods may make it possible to approach causal relationships.

Need for Comprehensive Research Including Other Factors

Internet addiction is considered a problem that arises from various factors intricately intertwining, not just personality traits. This study focused on personality traits, but the influence of other factors cannot be ignored.

For example, home environment, school life, and social relationships may also be related to internet addiction.

Also, the purposes of internet use and the types of services used may influence the degree of addiction.

In this way, to understand the full picture of internet addiction, comprehensive research including factors other than personality traits is essential.

Exploring the causes and background of internet addiction from multiple perspectives is required.

For this purpose, it will be important to bring together knowledge not only from psychology but also from various fields such as sociology and education.

Personality traits are an important element for understanding internet addiction, but they alone are insufficient.

Further accumulation of research is desired for comprehensive understanding of internet addiction.

In Conclusion

Above, I have explained the meta-analysis study that examined the relationship between internet addiction and personality traits.

These findings have the potential to be useful for prevention and treatment.

However, this study also has several limitations.

These include the small number of studies included in the analysis and problems with self-report measures.

Also, the causal relationship between personality traits and internet addiction has not been clarified.

In the future, it will be necessary to accumulate more research and clarify the full picture of internet addiction.

I want everyone to be aware of this risk by understanding their own personality traits.

It’s important to reconsider your relationship with the internet and strive for moderate usage.

Internet addiction is a problem that can happen to anyone.

Please pay attention to changes in those around you and don’t forget to seek help when necessary.

※This article is written with reference to papers published in the following book.