The influence of information overload and problematic Internet use on adults wellbeing

Alheneidi, Hasah ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7591-1461 2019. The influence of information overload and problematic Internet use on adults wellbeing. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

Preview	PDF (PhD thesis) - Accepted Post-Print Version Download (2MB) | Preview
	PDF (Publication form) - Supplemental Material Restricted to Repository staff only Download (120kB)

Abstract

We are living in an information age, where the overabundance of information can result in stressful conditions for information users, such as information overload. This might lead to internet addiction or problematic internet use, because the internet is the most used information source and can be addictive or misused due to its evolving and endless content and activities. An individual can face difficulties in understanding an issue or making a decision because of the presence of too much information, like the flow of instant messages, text messages, phone calls, emails, social network notifications, advertisements, as well as non-cyber based information sources. This flood of information we are being exposed to can result in negative consequences for individual wellbeing. This mixed methods study investigated the impact of information overload and internet addiction on adults’ psychological wellbeing, work performance and academic attainment. Five empirical studies were used to measure the influence of information overload and internet addiction on wellbeing through a holistic approach. These studies also controlled possible factors that could influence or interfere with the wellbeing process. The results revealed interesting findings: The influence of information overload and internet addiction on university students’ predicted negative wellbeing, and the cultural differences between Kuwait and UK sample were not significant. However, the influence of information overload and internet addiction was significantly different between students and workers. The impact of different internet uses on workers were also significantly different than students. The diary study revealed significant differences between problematic internet users and non-problematic internet users’ wellbeing scores, although hours spent on the internet and internet activities were similar. The thesis provides a comprehensive approach to understanding the influence of information overload and internet addiction on adults’ wellbeing, which can provide intervention plans and solutions in universities and workplaces.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Submission
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	24 April 2019
Date of Acceptance:	23 April 2019
Last Modified:	04 Nov 2022 12:06
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/121873

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item