Analyzing the Relationship Between Technology Literacy Skills and Internet Addiction in the Context of E-Learning and Distance Education Among Higher Education Learners

In an increasingly digitalized world, technological devices and access to the internet have become an integral part of daily life. It is important to conduct scientific research on how digital competence affects internet use and online behavior patterns, especially among young people. In this context, the aim of the current study is to determine whether technological literacy skills in young people serve as a protective or triggering factor against problematic internet use. The sample of this study consists of 216 learners who have participated in distance education processes. However, 122 participants data were used for Technology Literacy scale validation, while the main analyses were conducted on from 94 participants. The data collection tools used in the study are General Information Survey, 21st Century Technology Literacy Skills Scale and Youth Internet Addiction Test - Short Form. The research data were tested using frequency analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis and linear regression analysis methods. As a result, a statistically significant and negative correlation was found between the sub-dimensions of internet addiction and technological literacy skills in educated young individuals. In addition, the linear regression analysis results showed that the sub-dimensions of technological literacy skills, “understanding technology” and “responsibility and caution”, explained 17.6% (p<0.01) of the variance in internet addiction.