The role of locus of control in effective internet use

Abstract

In the context of the digitalization of modern society, the Internet occupies an important place in the lives of adolescents, influencing their cognitive activity, social connections, and personal development. At the same time, the productivity of interaction with the online environment is largely determined by the characteristics of self-regulation and the perception of personal responsibility. This paper focuses on the role of locus of control as a psychological mechanism that affects the nature and quality of Internet use. Adolescents with a pronounced internal locus of control generally demonstrate greater independence, critical thinking, and mindfulness while working with information, whereas the predominance of an external locus may lead to disorganized and dependent online behavior.
The study emphasizes the importance of fostering an internal locus of control in the process of upbringing and education, as this contributes to the development of a responsible attitude toward digital resources and the rational use of opportunities provided by the online environment.