The impact of Internet-based specific activities on the perceptions of Internet addiction, quality of life, and excessive usage: A cross-sectional study

•Preferred non-work online activities were of informational and social nature.•Online behaviors may change by manipulating the availability of online activities.•Perceived quality of life can be affected in the absence of Internet access.•Perception of Internet addiction may be a useful indicator of possible addiction.•Specific online activities are associated with perceived Internet addiction.