Abstract:

The first social network was launched in 1994 and since then it has become an important and influential tool in interpersonal communication, especially among the young generation. The generational cohorts that belong to the same age group have similar life experiences and share the same living conditions. Their life is influenced by economic, cultural, political, and social attributes that are typical of a specific period and that affect individuals’ perceptions, expectations, behaviours and viewpoints. The aim of the research is to evaluate the relationship between potential IA, personal traits and self-esteem among pre-service teachers belonging to Generation Y or Z. The participants were 624 pre-service teachers aged 19-37 (SD 2,91). To determine the empirical data we used the following research methods: Neo Big-Five Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Young Internet Addiction Test and Sociodemographic Questionnaire. A negative relationship was found between age, self-esteem, personality traits and internet addiction among social network users. Gender differences were found as well. The results of the research suggested the following intergenerational differences. Generation Z is significantly addicted to the internet compared to Generation Y and Generation Z have significantly more friends on social media than Generation Y. The results also showed that Generation Z pre-service teachers have higher values in the scale Neuroticism than Generation Y.

Keywords:

Internet addiction, pre-service teachers, personality traits, Generation Z, Generation Y.