The Influence of Internet Addiction on Cyber Delinquency Among Middle School Students: Testing the Mediating Effect of Internet Ethics

Abstract

The number of Internet users is increasing dramatically. The Internet has become a vital tool for many Korean adolescents today. However, in spite of its merits, the Internet does pose some serious problems including cyber delinquency. The purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship between Internet addiction and cyber delinquency among middle school students and to test the mediating effect of Internet ethics in this relationship. Following a previous literature review, a structured, self-administered questionnaire was developed. A total of 498 copies of the questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS 13.0. The results of the study are as follows; (1) Internet addiction could have a positive effect on cyber delinquency; (2) Internet addiction has a direct relationship with Internet ethics; (3) Internet ethics have an inverse relationship with cyber delinquency; and (4) Internet ethics could be a mediating variable between Internet addiction and cyber delinquency. A number of recommendations were made in relation to preventing and alleviating Internet addiction and cyber delinquency among middle school students.