A Study on the Relationship between Internet Overdependence and Anger Response among Young Adults during COVID-19 Pandemic: Moderating Effect on Negative Emotions

Sun Kyung Kang, Jin Kwon and Kwanghyun Kim ()
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Sun Kyung Kang: Department of Social Welfare, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
Jin Kwon: Department of Social Welfare, Yemyung Graduate University, Seoul 06723, Republic of Korea
Kwanghyun Kim: Department of Social Welfare, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 3, 1-9

Abstract: The aim of this study is to examine how Internet dependence affects anger responses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Owing to social distancing policies, Internet dependence has intensified, and the prevalence of anger has significantly increased. To understand this phenomenon and draw some implications, the “frustration–aggression hypothesis” was utilized for the theoretical framework and anger response was categorized into functional and dysfunctional anger responses. An analysis shows that overdependence on the Internet has a positive effect on the dysfunctional anger response. At the same time, other negative emotions replace anger, reducing the possibility of a dysfunctional anger response. Accordingly, a need for a constant effort to understand the circumstances of the young generation living in the “new normal” is emphasized; moreover, this paper suggests some theoretical and practical implications.

Keywords: COVID-19; young adults; negative emotion; internet dependence; anger responses (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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