Peer Pressure in Relation to Internet Addiction

Saichampuii Sailo
Mizoram University, Mizoram
Vanlalhmachhuani
Mizoram
Sarah Lalrempuii
Mizoram University, Mizoram

Pages:441-446

Peer pressure is believed to have a strong influence on internet usage among
adolescents; hence it is vital to grasp the dynamics and interplay between them. The
present study consists of two-hundred participants (100 males and 100 females) with
an age range of 16-19 years from Govt. Chaltlang Higher Secondary School, Chaltlang,
Aizawl, Mizoram. Two measurements namely, Peer Pressure Scale (Saini & Singh,
2010) and Internet Addiction Test (Young, 1998) were employed for the study. Result
shows significant gender difference (t= 2.81, p<.01) in peer pressure, with males
displaying higher levels of peer pressure (Mean=69.80) than females (Mean=65.31).
But no significant gender difference (t=-.094, p>.01) was observed on internet addiction.
Further analysis revealed significant positive correlation (r=0.30, p<.01) between peer
pressure and internet addiction. The predictability of peer pressure on internet addiction
was also established. Understanding the correlation between peer pressure and internet
usage can aid in promoting healthy internet interactions and mitigate any potential
negative effects. The researchers hoped that this study shall serve as a baseline for
future researches, providing valuable insights with its results; and in turn contribute
towards a vital narrative to the significant portion of the problem that adolescents are
dealing with in today’s world