The relationships between ICT use and life quality among children with social phobia

Social phobia is one of the most common anxiety disorders, with nearly one eighth of adolescents in Taiwan suffering from this. Research shows that people with high social anxiety tend to spend more time interacting on-line and benefit from such interactions. Research also shows that Internet addiction, depression, or lower quality of life are associated with excessive information and communication technology (ICT) use. However, there are few studies targeting elementary students with socially phobia and their use of ICT. The aim of this study was therefore to examine the ICT usage patterns of elementary students with social phobia, and the correlation of their ICT use and life quality. This study surveyed 149 students from middle of Taiwan using self-report questionnaires. The results show that the most frequent uses of ICT by these socially phobic students were for communication and entertainment. Positive relationships were confirmed between ICT use and the psychological and social relationship aspects of life quality. The issue of gender differences is discussed, and some suggestions for educators and parents of students are proposed.