• DOI:10.3758/BF03207725
• Corpus ID: 26979867

The bits and bytes of computer/internet addiction: A factor analytic approach

@article{Pratarelli1999TheBA,
  title={The bits and bytes of computer/internet addiction: A factor analytic approach},
  author={Marc E. Pratarelli and Blaine L. Browne and Kimberly Johnson},
  journal={Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, \& Computers},
  year={1999},
  volume={31},
  pages={305-314}
}

• M. Pratarelli, B. L. Browne, Kimberly Johnson
• Published 1 June 1999
• Psychology
• Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers

A factor analytic approach was used to explore possible constructs underlying so-called computer/Internet addiction. A 94-item survey was developed, from which two major and two minor factors were derived. Factor 1 focused on problematic computer-related behaviors in heavy users of the Internet, whereas Factor 2 focused on the usefulness and general purpose nature of computers and the Internet. Factor 3 isolated a combination of use of the Internet for sexual gratification and shyness/introversion, and Factor 4 focused on an absence of problems related to Internet use that were coupled with a mild aversion or a disinterest in this technology. These data support the notion that some individuals have a mixture of obsessive-like characteristics related specifically to their computer/Internet use but that, not surprisingly, they also exhibit a preference for on-line, rather than in-person, interactions.