Gender Differences in Online Behavior: Exploring the Moderating Effect on Loneliness and Cyberslacking among University Students


Martaria Rizky Rinaldi(1*), Luthfi Noor Aini(2), Aditya Putra Kurniawan(3)

(1) Fakultas Psikologi, Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta, Indonesia
(2) Fakultas Psikologi, Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta, Indonesia
(3) Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work. School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract


Academic demands are capable of creating pressure, prompting students to find diversion through smartphone use and internet browsing. Unproductive internet use during learning is termed cyberslacking, a behavior known to be associated with loneliness. Therefore, this research aimed to explore the moderating role of gender in the relationship between loneliness and cyberslacking among university students. Using a quantitative correlational method, the investigation collected demographic data and adopted two scales, including the UCLA-3 Loneliness Scale and Cyberslacking Scale. Participants, comprising 226 students aged 18 to 25 years, were subjected to both descriptive and moderation analysis using Jamovi. The results showed that there was a significant influence of loneliness on cyberslacking, with gender identified as a moderator in such relationship. Recognizing gender differences in online behavior was crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of university policies and intervention strategies.


Keywords


cyberslacking, gender, loneliness, university students

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.15575/psy.v11i1.32715

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