INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 05,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1520
INTERNET ADDICTION AS A FACTOR DISRUPTING SOCIAL INTERACTION
AMONG ADOLESCENTS
Berdibekova Syrga Kanybekovna
Ph.D. ped. science, Osh Technological University named after M. M. Adyshev
Aldashov Mukhtarbek Kadyrbekovich
Ph.D. Ph.D., Osh Technological University named after M. M. Adyshev
Alpamysh kyzy Burulbu
Osh Technological University named after M. M. Adyshev
Abstract:
This article examines the impact of internet addiction on the quality of adolescents’
social interaction. A quantitative study was conducted on a sample of 150 adolescents (aged
10–16 years) from the Osh and Jalal-Abad regions of the Kyrgyz Republic. The Young’s
Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was used to assess the level of internet addiction, alongside a
standardized scale for identifying social interaction problems. It was found that approximately
13–16% of adolescents exhibit a severe degree of internet addiction, and a substantial share of
respondents experience difficulties in face-to-face communication. The data indicate that as the
degree of addiction increases, measures of social skills deteriorate: the number of friends
decreases and levels of social maladjustment rise. These results confirm previous findings that
internet addiction is accompanied by social isolation and disruptions in interpersonal
relationships. In conclusion, the consequences of the identified relationships are discussed, and
recommendations for preventing internet addiction among adolescents are offered.
Keywords:
Internet addiction; social interaction; adolescents; social maladjustment; virtual
world.
Introduction:
Internet addiction among adolescents is defined as a compulsive desire for
prolonged internet use, accompanied by a loss of control over the time spent online. This
phenomenon has become widespread with the increased accessibility of digital technologies. In
European countries and the U.S., 3–5% of adolescents meet the criteria for internet addiction,
whereas in Asia the figure ranges from 10–15%. In Kyrgyzstan, studies show comparable
results. For instance, Sagyndyk-kyzy reports that about 16% of adolescents in the country
exhibit clear signs of internet addiction [3].
Internet addiction is recognized as a pressing social issue, as it is associated with impaired
adolescent adjustment and increased psychological problems.
Excessive time online
often replaces real-life communication: adolescents retreat into the virtual world, experiencing
difficulties in interacting with others. Many authors note that internet-addicted adolescents
often lack friends and show diminished interpersonal communication skills.
Given this, the aim of the present study is to identify the impact of internet addiction on
social interaction impairments among adolescents in southern Kyrgyzstan. The objectives
include measuring addiction levels and analyzing the correlation between the degree of
addiction and social problems [5].
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 05,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1521
Research Methods
This study was conducted using a quantitative empirical approach. The sample included 150
adolescents aged 10–16 from the Osh and Jalal-Abad regions. Participants were selected via
random stratified sampling through local schools and youth centers. The survey was conducted
anonymously and voluntarily with parental consent.
The following tools were used: Kimberly Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT) to assess
addiction levels (score range: 0–100), and an author-designed questionnaire on social
interaction, which included questions about the number of friends, frequency of in-person
interactions, and presence of social issues (e.g., conflicts, isolation). IAT scores were
interpreted as follows: no addiction (0–29), mild (30–49), moderate (50–79), and severe (80–
100).
Data analysis was performed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, and
ANOVA tests were conducted to assess group differences (significance level p<0.05) [1,2].
Results and Discussion
Table 1 shows the distribution of internet addiction levels within the sample. The majority
(67%) exhibit either no or mild addiction; however, a significant portion demonstrates moderate
to severe levels (about 33%). Around 13% fall into the severe addiction category, which aligns
with previously reported data (~16%).
Level of Internet Addiction
IAT
Score
Number
of
Respondents (n)
% of Sample
None (0–29)
0–29
60
40,0
Mild (30–49)
30–49
40
26,7
Moderate (50–79)
50–79
30
20,0
Severe (80–100)
80–100
20
13,3
Total
–
150
100,0
Table 1. Levels of internet addiction among adolescents (IAT, n=150).
Table 2 presents the results on social interaction. A clear decline in social skills was found as
addiction levels increased. Adolescents without addiction had on average five offline friends
and a low social problem score (2.0 on a 20-point scale). In the moderate group, the number of
friends dropped to three and the problem score increased to 7.5. Those with severe addiction
showed the highest dysfunction: an average problem score of 12.3 and only one offline friend.
Differences among groups were statistically significant (p<0.01).
Internet
Addiction
Level
Avg. Social Interaction Problem
Score (0–20)
Avg. Number of Offline
Friends
None
2,0
5
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 05,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1522
Mild
4,8
4
Moderate
7,5
3
Severe
12,3
1
Table 2. Social manifestations of internet addiction in adolescents (problem scale scores and
average number of friends, n=150).
These findings demonstrate a direct relationship between internet addiction level and social
interaction problems. Higher addiction levels are associated with greater social difficulties:
adolescents with severe addiction have significantly fewer offline friends and more issues in
communication compared to those without addiction (see Table 2).
The results align with both theoretical and empirical studies. Literature shows that internet
addiction is often accompanied by social maladjustment and impaired relationships. For
instance, the portal Beauty and Medicine notes that many addicted adolescents struggle with
face-to-face interactions and may have “no real-life friends,” instead creating the illusion of a
vibrant social life online. Our data similarly reveal a sharp decline in real-world social
connections and increased loneliness among highly addicted adolescents.
Psychological studies emphasize that internet addiction replaces personal communication with
virtual contact. Pishelko notes that for addicted adolescents, “interpersonal communication is
replaced by online interaction,” and it becomes difficult for them to “tear themselves away from
the computer for real-life communication.” We observed a similar pattern: addicted teens are
less likely to initiate in-person meetings and feel anxious when trying to reduce online time.
Lavrentieva also notes that addicted adolescents experience a “diminished real-world life” and
struggle with live interpersonal relationships [2]. Our findings support this: the higher the
addiction score, the lower the average social skills score, indicating a communication deficit.
International surveys also confirm the significant impact of addiction on relationships. For
example, students in a UK sample admitted that their constant need to be online was “out of
control” and “undoubtedly affected their relationships with friends and family.” Our study
revealed similar trends: adolescents with severe internet addiction more frequently reported
family conflicts and alienation from peers.
Overall, the patterns identified in this study are consistent with the biopsychosocial model of
addictive disorders. Internet addiction is viewed as a behavioral condition leading to social
maladjustment: the adolescent experiences short-term gratification from being online while
neglecting real-life relationships and responsibilities. The strong correlation we found between
addiction level and communication difficulties highlights the need for prevention and
intervention efforts.
Conclusion
The study demonstrated that internet addiction significantly impacts adolescents’
social interactions. Among youth from southern regions of Kyrgyzstan, higher addiction levels
were associated with more pronounced socialization problems: fewer real-world friends, more
conflicts, and increased anxiety in face-to-face communication. Around 13% of participants
exhibited severe addiction, aligning with prior findings of 15–20% in the region. These results
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 05,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1523
confirm that internet addiction is a factor in deteriorating interpersonal relationships.
They underscore the importance of informing parents and educators about the risks of excessive
internet use and the need to foster offline communication skills in adolescents. Future research
could further explore causal mechanisms and the effectiveness of prevention programs.
References:
1. Salmorbekova R.B., Zhakshylykkova T.A., Myrzaliyeva T.Zh. Internet addiction levels
among adolescents and youth in Kyrgyzstan // Social Policy and Partnership. 2023. No.10.
2. Tarasova M.G. Socio-psychological manifestations and essence of internet addiction //
Young Scientist. 2021. No.23(365). P. 482–484.
3. Sagyndyk-kyzy E. One-fifth of Kyrgyz adolescents suffer from internet addiction // IWPR.
2017. (Radio program).
4. Lavrentieva A. Internet addiction – an escape from life // KFU Media Portal, Kazan, 2025.
5. Pishelko A.V. The problem of the negative consequences of a person's activity in
cyberspace // Applied Legal Psychology. 2018. No.3. P. 19–23.
