Abstract
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 184 nursing students were recruited by simple random sampling. Data collection tools included a demographic information form, the Internet Abusive Use Questionnaire and Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey. Data were analyzed by the SPSS-18 software using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The abusive use of the Internet in nursing students was lower than the average level. There was a positive correlation between Internet abusive use and academic burnout (r = 0.305, p < 0.001), but there was a negative correlation between Internet abusive use and academic performance (r = -0.478, p < 0.001). The results of multiple regression analysis showed that Internet abusive use could predict the variance of academic burnout and academic performance. CONCLUSIONS: Internet abusive use was correlated with increased academic burnout and decreased academic performance in nursing students. Educational interventions are required to increase students' awareness of the consequences of Internet abusive use.