Abstract: The method of meta-analysis was utilized to analyze the relationship between individual sensation seeking and Internet addiction. Thirty-seven cases that met the requirements of meta-analysis were selected (N = 15,768). The meta-analysis revealed a small relationship between Internet addiction and the factors of individual thrill and adventure seeking degrees; and a moderate relationship between Internet addiction and the indicators of total score of sensation seeking, experience seeking, boring susceptibility, and disinhibition. Among the 4 indicators, the disinhibition was most strongly correlated with Internet addiction (mean weighted r = 0.35). The test of moderating effect disclosed that measure tools, test participants, and cultural background played an adjustment role between sensation seeking and Internet addiction. The findings showed that sensation seeking was an important factor of personality-influence to Internet addiction. The total score of sensation seeking as well as other factors were predictive to Internet addiction more or less.

Key words: sensation seeking, Internet addiction, meta-analysis, moderate effect