Problematic Internet Usage by Adolescents with Disabilities

Introduction. The intensive development of adaptive information technologies leads to the active inclusion of adolescents with disabilities in Internet communications, expanding the possibilities of their social adaptation. At the same time, the limitation of opportunities for social interaction due to impaired psychophysical development is an additional factor in the uncontrolled involvement of adolescents in Internet communication and the risk of Problematic Internet Usage.

The aim of this research is to study the degree and indicators of Internet addiction among adolescents with disabilities in conjunction with indicators of their social adaptability.

Methodology and research methods. Theoretical and empirical study is based on the provisions of the psychological theory of activity and personality, culturalhistorical theory of L. S. Vygotsky, the ideas of domestic and foreign psychology about addictive behaviour including about risk and factors of Internet addictive behaviour normally developing adolescents and adolescents with disabilities. The study was carried out using empirical methods (questionnaires, psycho-diagnostic methods, survey methods); methods of quantitative analysis of empirical data, including methods of mathematical statistics: comparison of samples by the Mann-Whitney test; correlation analysis using the linear Pearson correlation coefficient. The calculations were performed using the Excel software package and using the SPSS 16.0 software package (Statistical Package for Social Science).

Research results and scientific novelty. The general and specific features of the Internet usage among adolescents with disabilities are identified; personality traits are identified as a prerequisite for the Problematic Internet Usage in this category of adolescents. It has been determined that virtual communication acts for adolescents with disabilities as a kind of adaptation-compensatory resource that allows overcoming communicative difficulties. At the same time, inadequate selfregulation of behaviour makes it difficult for self-control to stay online and thereby increases the risk of the negative impact of interaction on the Internet on their physical and mental state. It is revealed that the personal background of the Problematic Internet Usage has specificity depending on the nature of developmental disorders in adolescents.

Practical significance. The results of the research can be used in the work of a psychologist and a teacher for the diagnosis, prevention and correction of Internet addiction by adolescents with disabilities.

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