Identification of items for evolving an instrument for the Assessment of Internet Use in Indian Context

Background: Internet can be used for searching information, communication, academics, research, work/business, entertainment purpose, making friends, sharing sexual contents, connecting to strangers as well as expressing our thoughts. Methods: To identify the items for evolving an instrument for the assessment of Internet use. Semi-structured Interview Schedule (developed by the investigator and content validated by the 10 experts) and Internet Addiction Test (IAT) were administered. 6 Focus Group Discussions (FGD) conducted with 32 experts. A total of 75 samples, aged from 16 – 40 years, minimum one year of internet use, screened to identify Mild to Severe Internet addiction (N=50) through IAT, used stratified random sampling. Results: The themes and concepts were derived from the semi-structured interview schedule responses given by FGD as well as 50 sample responses. There were numerous factors revealed and three components were generated (ie; Internet usage patterns, Internet overuse/addiction and dysfunctions/consequences due to Internet use) and 69 items were shortlisted from the 147 items. Conclusion: The present study has given procedural steps for item generation for instrument development as well as the pattern of internet use. It will be helpful to screen the internet overuse.