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Internet Addiction Test
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About Internet Addiction Test
Scale Name
Internet Addiction Test
Author Details
Dr. Kimberly Young
Translation Availability
Not Sure

Background/Description
The Internet Addiction Test (IAT), developed by Dr. Kimberly S. Young, is one of the first standardized tools created to assess the severity of Internet addiction. The test helps in determining the impact of excessive internet use on an individual’s daily life, emotional stability, and social interactions. Originally developed in the context of rising concerns over internet overuse in the late 1990s, the IAT has since become a widely used assessment tool in clinical and research settings.
The IAT measures a person’s level of dependency on the Internet and highlights areas of concern, including neglect of work, social relationships, and mental health issues caused by excessive online activities. The test was designed to provide an overall score reflecting the degree of addiction, ranging from mild to severe levels.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Format: The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) consists of 20 items that assess the participant’s behavior and feelings related to their internet use. Responses are recorded on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (Rarely) to 5 (Always).
- Scoring:
- Key Areas Assessed:
- Neglect of personal life: How the individual’s internet usage affects their daily responsibilities.
- Mental preoccupation: The extent of compulsive thinking about being online.
- Interference with work and performance: The impact of the internet on job/school productivity.
- Social impacts: The extent to which internet use affects relationships.
- Emotional well-being: Evaluates emotional symptoms linked to excessive internet use, such as depression, anxiety, and irritability.
- Purpose: The IAT is primarily used to identify individuals who may need further evaluation or treatment for internet overuse and its psychological effects. It is suitable for adolescents and adults and can be administered both in clinical settings and for self-assessment.
Reliability and Validity
The IAT has demonstrated good psychometric properties, showing strong internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha reported to be around 0.90. The scale has been validated in multiple studies across diverse populations, making it a reliable and effective measure for identifying internet addiction. Researchers have also found the IAT to be useful in cross-cultural assessments, ensuring its adaptability to various environments.
Available Versions
20-Items
Reference
Young, K. S. (2009). Internet addiction test. Center for on-line addictions.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Internet Addiction Test (IAT)?
The IAT is a 20-item questionnaire developed to assess the extent of problematic internet use and its impact on an individual’s daily functioning.
Who uses the IAT?
It is used by clinicians, researchers, and individuals seeking to evaluate their internet usage patterns and dependency.
How is the IAT scored?
Scores range from 20 to 100, with categories for mild (20-49), moderate (50-79), and severe (80-100) levels of internet addiction.
What areas does the IAT assess?
It measures factors such as neglect of personal life, work performance, mental preoccupation, social impact, and emotional well-being.
Is the IAT reliable?
Yes, the IAT has demonstrated high reliability with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.90, making it a robust tool for assessing internet addiction.
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