A Comparison of Personality Trait and Profile of Compulsive/Heavy Internet Users with Average Internet Users in College Students

Abstract

Background: This study aimed at comparing the profile and personality traits of compulsive/heavy Internet users with that of average users. Methods: This study employed the causal-comparative research design. The population of the study consisted of 9800 students of Islamic Azad University, Urmia Branch, out of which 189 male students were selected through multistage cluster sampling. The selected sample responded to Young’s Internet dependency test, the NEO five-factor inventory (NEO-FFI) as well as the Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory (MMPI). The data was analyzed by means of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results: The results indicate that compulsive/heavy Internet users that underwent psychological profile measurement, using MMPI, obtained significantly higher scores in hypochondriasis, depression, hysteria, psychasthenia and schizophrenia, yet they obtained lower scores in hypomania. Moreover, it was shown that compulsive/heavy Internet users compared with average Internet users obtained higher scores in personality traits, such as extraversion and neurosis yet lower scores in conscientiousness and agreeableness. Conclusions: The profile and personality traits of compulsive/heavy Internet users compared with that of average users are different in some respects and indicate malevolence in some cases, which justifies addressing these traits.