Network analysis of peer attachment and internet addiction among chinese adolescents

Previous studies have found a correlation between peer attachment and Internet addiction. The three dimensions (peer trust, peer communication, and peer alienation) of peer attachment reflect different needs in peer relationships. This study used network analysis to construct a network model of the three dimensions of peer attachment and Internet addiction. The primary aim was to identify which peer relationship needs are most significantly associated with Internet addiction in adolescents. A total of 782 adolescents (413 girls and 369 boys, Mean age = 13.52, SD age = 1.17) from school participated in this study. Basic demographic information was obtained through a questionnaire. Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment and Young Internet Addiction Test were used to measure peer attachment and Internet addiction in adolescents. Internet addiction was negatively correlated with the three dimensions of peer attachment: peer trust (r = -0.22), peer communication (r = -0.17), and peer alienation (r = -0.47). Peer trust was the central factor in the network model. Prominent symptoms in the network model included IA2 ("How often do you neglect household chores to spend more time online?") and IA12 ("How often do you fear that life without the Internet would be boring, empty, and joyless?"). Peer communication acted as a bridge between peer attachment and Internet addiction in the network model. Less trust in peers is associated with a higher risk of becoming addicted to the Internet. Fostering peer trust may encourage adolescents to engage in real-life social activities, thus reducing their reliance on the Internet for social fulfillment.