Internet Misconduct Impact Adolescent Mental Health in Taiwan: The Moderating Roles of Internet Addiction

The cyber world provides new information and online social activities. However, frequent social activities and inappropriate physical and mental behaviors (e.g., cyber bullying, cyber pornography, and Internet fraud) may affect physical and mental health of individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of cyber bullying, cyber pornography, and Internet fraud adolescents’ physical and mental health and examine the moderating effect of Internet addiction among Taiwan adolescents aged 15 to 18 years using a nationally representative dataset. Data from 8480 adolescents (4184 boys, 4296 girls) from 150 high schools were analyzed. The results indicated that cyber bullying, cyber pornography and Internet addiction present significant positive effects on physical and mental health of individuals; Internet addiction has a significant moderating effect on the relationships among cyber bullying, cyber pornography, and physical and mental health of individuals. The results of this study suggest that parents and teachers should pay more attention to adolescents, especially those who have frequently reported seeing cyber bullying, and provide counseling, help as well as assistance on the proper use of the Internet. Adolescents who are addicted to cyber pornography should be encouraged to develop other interests and participate in outdoor activities to ensure healthy physical and mental health.