Gender difference in the association between internet addiction, self-esteem and academic aspirations among adolescents: A structural equation modelling

Internet addiction (IA) is a significant public health issue among adolescents. There is considerable evidence that IA is associated with various psychosocial harms. There is a dearth of studies exploring the association between IA and academic aspirations. The present study explored the association between time spent on online activities, Internet addiction, self-esteem, and academic aspirations among 859 Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong. Gender difference in the association between variables was also examined. Results from structural equation modelling reported that time spent on online activities had a positive association with IA which in turn, had a negative association with self-esteem and academic aspirations. Multi-group analyses further reported that time spent on online activities had significant negative association with academic aspirations only in the female sample; while IA had significant negative association with academic aspiration only in the male sample. The association between time spent on online activities and IA, and between IA and self-esteem were more evident among the male sample. Findings suggest that IA has significant negative consequences on self-esteem and academic aspirations among adolescents. Interventions for IA are highly warranted.