THE COMPARISON OF THE THEORY OF MIND IN INTERNET ADDICTED AND NON-ADDICTED UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Aim: The purpose of this study is to compare the university students having diagnosed as internet addicted and internet non-addicted in terms of the theory of mind. Methods: The study group consisted 50 undergraduate students at AœskA¼dar University. 25 students diagnosed an internet addicted composed the study group. 25 students who have same sex with the study group subjects, however do not have any internet addiction, composed the study group. Results: The average age of the students is 22.74±1.45. Data was collected by using sociodemographic data form, Internet Addiction Scale and the Dokuz EylA¼l Theory of Mind Scale. The study group found to have statistically significantly lower scores in theory of Mind Scale, when compared to the control group. Conclusion: This result suggests that internet addiction may affect the students’ social interaction, emotional and cognitive processing.