effects of internet addiction essay

Internet Addiction

Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff

More a popular idea than a scientifically valid concept, internet addiction is the belief that people can become so dependent on using their mobile phones or other electronic devices that they lose control of their own behavior and suffer negative consequences. The harm is alleged to stem both from direct involvement with the device—something that has never been proven—and from the abandonment of other activities, such as studying, face-to-face socializing, or sleep.

• What Is Internet Addiction?
• Signs of Excessive Internet Use
• Internet Use and Mental Health
• What to Do About Internet Addiction

There is much debate in the scientific community about whether excessive internet use can be classified as a true addiction. In an addiction to substances such as drugs or alcohol , consumption ceases being pleasurable but continues and is difficult to escape even as the likelihood of harm to the body and life mounts. In the case of internet use, there is no clear point at which being online becomes non-pleasurable for most individuals. In part for this reason, behavioral "addictions," including using the internet, remain controversial: Experts debate where the line should be drawn between passionate absorption in any activity—say, devoting a lot of time to playing the cello or reading books—and being stuck in a rut of compulsivity that stops being useful and detrimentally affects other areas of life.

In preparing the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , psychiatrists and other experts debated whether to include internet addiction. They decided that there was not enough scientific evidence to support inclusion at this time, although the DSM-5 does recognize Internet Gaming Disorder as a condition warranting further study.

Most often, the word “addiction” is used in the colloquial sense. Common Sense Media finds that 59 percent of parents “feel” their kids are addicted to their mobile devices—just as 27 percent of the parents feel that they themselves are. Sixty-nine percent of parents say they check their own devices at least hourly, as do 78 percent of teens. Spending a lot of time on the internet is increasingly considered normal behavior, especially for adolescents. Much of their social activity has simply moved online. Like any new technology, the computer has changed the way everyone lives, learns, and communicates. It is possible to be online far too much, even though this does not constitute a true addiction in the eyes of most clinicians. 

Internet content creators leverage the ways in which the brain works to rally consumers '  attention . One simple example: A perceived threat activates your fight-or-flight response, a part of the brain known as the Reticular Activating System mobilizes the body for action. So online content exploits potential dangers—violence, natural disaster, disease, etc.—to attract and hold your attention.  

Problematic or excessive internet use can indeed pose a serious problem. It can displace such important needs as sleep, homework, and exercise, often a source of friction between parents and teens. It can have negative effects on real-life relationships. 

The idea of internet addiction is a particular concern among parents, who worry about the harmful effects of screen time and often argue about device use with their children. According to a 2019 survey conducted by Common Sense Media, children aged 8 to 12 now spend 5 hours a day on digital devices, while teens clock more than 7 hours—not including schoolwork. Teen screen time is slowly ticking upward, and most teens take their phones to bed with them.

Whether classified as an addiction or not, heavy use of technology can be detrimental. It can impair focus, resulting in poor performance at school or work. Excessive internet consumption also makes it more difficult for people to communicate normally or to regulate their emotions. They spend less time on non-internet-related activities at the cost of relationships with friends, family, and significant others.

One way to assess whether you’re using the internet too much is to ask yourself if your basics needs (or your child’s, if they are the concern) are being met. Do you sleep enough, eat healthy, get enough exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time socializing in-person? The real harm of screen time may lie in missed opportunities for growth and connection.

Excessive screen time can be particularly harmful to a developing brain: It decreases focus and attention span while increasing the need for more constant stimulation and instant gratification. Those who use the internet excessively may feel anxious if their access to their device gets restricted. They tend to be more impulsive and struggle to recognize facial and nonverbal cues in real life.

Internet use becomes a problem when people start substituting online connections for real, physical relationships. The effects of technology on relationships include increased isolation and loneliness . Defaulting to online communication also denies us the opportunity to hear someone’s voice and read their facial cues in-person; it can also lead to poorer outcomes and miscommunication. Experts recommend that we save the important conversations for when we can be face-to-face for just this reason.   

Online content has been designed to elicit specific “checking habits,” which can result in distraction and poor performance at school or work. Constantly checking your smartphone or another device can also lead to relationship-sabotaging behaviors, like phubbing (snubbing loved ones for the instant gratification of checking the internet on your device). As more time is spent online, less is devoted to the natural pleasures of everyday life.  

Excessive use of the internet is known to negatively impact a person’s mental health. It has been associated with mental health issues, such as loneliness, depression , anxiety , and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Research suggests that people are likely to use the internet more as an emotional crutch to cope with negative feelings instead of addressing them in proactive and healthy ways.

This is a subject of debate at present. While internet addiction is not in the DSM-V, it is clearly a behavior that negatively impacts mental health and cognition for many, and many struggle to cut back on their time online. The term "addiction" is often used as a shorthand for, “My child spends a lot of time on social media , texting friends, or playing video games, and I’m worried how it will affect his or her future development and success.” At the same time, many people label it a behavioral addiction, engaging reward circuitry seen in other problematic behaviors such as gambling.

Time online is also sometimes used as an escape from boredom or relief from loneliness or other unpleasantness. Occasionally, excessive screen time masks a state of depression or anxiety. In such cases, digital engagement becomes an attempt to remedy the feelings of distress caused by true mental health disorders that could likely benefit from professional or other attention.

Given how much people rely on technology to complete everyday tasks, from online schooling to paying bills to ordering food to keeping in touch with loved ones who are far away, it isn’t feasible to stop using the internet altogether. In most cases, the goal should be to reduce the time spent online. Many of those who’ve struggled to balance internet use with other activities recommend such simple “digital detox” measures as leaving devices in the kitchen or any other room but the bedroom at night. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also help address addiction-like behaviors, like constant checking habits. 

Amidst growing concerns about the increased amount of time people are spending online, the “digital detox” has become a popular way to cope. A digital detox involves temporarily abstaining from using devices, like computers and smartphones. Someone may go on a digital detox in order to re-engage with a passion or activity, focus more on in-person interactions, or break free of a pattern of compulsive or excessive use. Digital detoxes also allow more time for self-care that a person may have been neglecting in order to stay plugged into the internet, which can lead to lower stress levels and better sleep.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. You may want to digitally detox if you notice that you’re experiencing sleep disruptions due to staying up late or waking up early to be on a device, if the internet is making you feel depressed, or if the constant need to be connected causes you stress. Other signs may include feeling anxious if you can’t locate your phone, having FOMO ( fear of missing out) if you’re not checking the internet or social media, struggling to focus without (or due to) constant checking behaviors, etc.

Unlike other detoxes where the goal is to abstain completely, digital detoxes are more flexible and tailored to the individual. It may not be possible due to work or personal obligations to shut your devices off entirely for long periods of time. If it’s time for a digital detox , there are some strategies you can try: Block off non-screen time during the day and/or night, set a “digital curfew” for using devices at night or on weekends, specify digital-free spaces in your home (e.g., the bedroom or dinner table), and use the additional time in fulfilling ways (e.g., socialize, rekindle old interests, volunteer, etc.).

Use the internet and social media with purpose; set time limits on your unstructured use to avoid going down long and unfulfilling rabbit holes. Take advantage of the extra free time you suddenly have. Spend more time socializing in-person and volunteer. Rekindle old interests or take up a new hobby. Go outside. Pay more attention to how you are feeling, both physically and emotionally.

Experts are warning that the problem of out-of-control technology continues to grow in alarming ways. Here are 8 ways parents can protect their children.

Anhedonia is the diminished ability to experience satisfying pleasures. The ability to experience healthy pleasures can be cultivated to restore overall well-being.

Dating apps are designed to help people find dates and develop long-term relationships. But they are also designed to keep users involved with the app.

Encouraging young adults to tell their stories may help heal the sense of disconnection technology and the pandemic have created.

Smartphones bridge global connections yet chip away at the essence, and the joy, of face-to-face interactions.

In a new study, teens report finding more benefits than harms online, yet they admit to feeling “happy” and “peaceful” when away from their smartphones.

Today, more teens are at peace and happier when they are detached from their devices. Here are 5 ways to help parents create a smartphone contract to manage screen time.

Personal Perspective: How the internet influences understanding mental illness.

Take charge of your unhealthy smartphone use.

"Infinite" video games are designed to keep you hooked. Switching to "finite" games could help you find balance in your life.

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How to Know If You Have an Internet Addiction and What to Do About It

Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.

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• Top 5 Things to Know

Internet Addiction in Kids

• What to Do If You're Addicted

Internet addiction is a behavioral addiction in which a person becomes dependent on the Internet or other online devices as a maladaptive way of coping with life's stresses.

Internet addiction has and is becoming widely recognized and acknowledged. So much so that in 2020, the World Health Organization formally recognized addiction to digital technology as a worldwide problem, where excessive online activity and Internet use lead to struggles with time management, sleep, energy, and attention.

Top 5 Things to Know About Internet Addiction

• Internet addiction is not yet an officially recognized mental disorder. Researchers have formulated diagnostic criteria for Internet addiction, but it is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) . However, Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is included as a condition for further study, and Internet addiction is developing as a specialist area.
• At least three subtypes of Internet addiction have been identified: video game addiction , cybersex or online sex addiction, and online gambling addiction .
• Increasingly, addiction to mobile devices, such as cellphones and smartphones, and addiction to social networking sites, such as Facebook, are being investigated. There may be overlaps between each of these subtypes. For example, online gambling involves online games, and online games may have elements of pornography.
• Sexting , or sending sexually explicit texts, has landed many people in trouble. Some have been teens who have found themselves in hot water with child pornography charges if they are underage. It can also be a potential gateway to physical infidelity .
• Treatment for Internet addiction is available, but only a few specialized Internet addiction services exist. However, a psychologist with knowledge of addiction treatment will probably be able to help.

If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database .

As Internet addiction is not formally recognized as an addictive disorder, it may be difficult to get a diagnosis. However, several leading experts in the field of behavioral addiction have contributed to the current knowledge of symptoms of Internet addiction. All types of Internet addiction contain the following four components:  

Excessive Use of the Internet

Despite the agreement that excessive Internet use is a key symptom, no one seems able to define exactly how much computer time counts as excessive. While guidelines suggest no more than two hours of screen time per day for youths under 18, there are no official recommendations for adults.

Furthermore, two hours can be unrealistic for people who use computers for work or study. Some authors add the caveat “for non-essential use,” but for someone with Internet addiction, all computer use can feel essential.

Here are some questions from Internet addiction assessment instruments that will help you to evaluate how much is too much.

How Often Do You...

• Stay online longer than you intended?
• Hear other people in your life complain about how much time you spend online?
• Say or think, “Just a few more minutes” when online?
• Try and fail to cut down on how much time you spend online?
• Hide how long you’ve been online?

If any of these situations are coming up on a daily basis, you may be addicted to the Internet.

Although originally understood to be the basis of physical dependence on alcohol or drugs, withdrawal symptoms are now being recognized in behavioral addictions, including Internet addiction.

Common Internet withdrawal symptoms include anger, tension, and depression when Internet access is not available.   These symptoms may be perceived as boredom, joylessness, moodiness, nervousness, and irritability when you can’t go on the computer.

Tolerance is another hallmark of alcohol and drug addiction and seems to be applicable to Internet addiction as well.   This can be understood as wanting—and from the user's point of view, needing—more and more computer-related stimulation. You might want ever-increasing amounts of time on the computer, so it gradually takes over everything you do. The quest for more is likely a predominant theme in your thought processes and planning.

Negative Repercussions

If Internet addiction caused no harm, there would be no problem. But when excessive computer use becomes addictive, something starts to suffer.

One negative effect of internet addiction is that you may not have any offline personal relationships, or the ones you do have may be neglected or suffer arguments over your Internet use.

• Online affairs can develop quickly and easily, sometimes without the person even believing online infidelity is cheating on their partner.
• You may see your grades and other achievements suffer from so much of your attention being devoted to Internet use.
• You may also have little energy for anything other than computer use—people with Internet addiction are often exhausted from staying up too late on the computer and becoming sleep deprived.
• Finances can also suffer , particularly if your addiction is for online gambling, online shopping, or cybersex.

Internet addiction is particularly concerning for kids and teens. Children lack the knowledge and awareness to properly manage their own computer use and have no idea about the potential harms that the Internet can open them up to. The majority of kids have access to a computer, and it has become commonplace for kids and teens to carry cellphones.

While this may reassure parents that they can have two-way contact with their child in an emergency, there are very real risks that this constant access to the Internet can expose them to.

• Children have become increasingly accustomed to lengthy periods of time connected to the Internet, disconnecting them from the surrounding world.
• Children who own a computer and have privileged online access have an increased risk of involvement in cyberbullying , both as a victim and as a perpetrator.  
• Children who engage in problematic internet use are more likely to use their cellphone for cybersex, particularly through sexting, or access apps which could potentially increase the risk of sex addiction and online sexual harms, such as Tinder.  

In addition, kids who play games online often face peer pressure to play for extended periods of time in order to support the group they are playing with or to keep their skills sharp. This lack of boundaries can make kids vulnerable to developing video game addiction.   This can also be disruptive to the development of healthy social relationships and can lead to isolation and victimization.

Children and teens are advised to have no more than two hours of screen time per day.

What to Do If You Have an Internet Addiction

If you recognize the symptoms of Internet addiction in yourself or someone in your care, talk to your doctor about getting help. As well as being able to provide referrals to Internet addiction clinics, psychologists, and other therapists, your doctor can prescribe medications or therapy to treat an underlying problem if you have one, such as depression or social anxiety disorder.

Internet addiction can also overlap with other behavioral addictions, such as work addiction, television addiction , and smartphone addiction.

Internet addiction can have devastating effects on individuals, families, and particularly growing children and teens. Getting help may be challenging but can make a huge difference in your quality of life.

Dresp-Langley B, Hutt A. Digital addiction and sleep .  IJERPH . 2022;19(11):6910. doi:10.3390/ijerph19116910

American Psychiatric Association. Internet Gaming .

Young KS, de Abreu CN. Internet Addiction: A Handbook and Guide to Evaluation and Treatment . New York: John Wiley & Sons Inc.; 2011.

Holoyda B, Landess J, Sorrentino R, Friedman SH. Trouble at teens' fingertips: Youth sexting and the law .  Behav Sci Law . 2018;36(2):170-181. doi:10.1002/bsl.2335

Jorgenson AG, Hsiao RC, Yen CF.  Internet Addiction and Other Behavioral Addictions .  Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am . 2016;25(3):509-520. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2016.03.004

Reid Chassiakos YL, Radesky J, Christakis D, Moreno MA, Cross C. Children and Adolescents and Digital Media . Pediatrics . 2016;138(5):e20162593. doi:10.1542/peds.2016-2593

Musetti A, Cattivelli R, Giacobbi M, et al. Challenges in Internet Addiction Disorder: Is a Diagnosis Feasible or Not ?  Front Psychol . 2016;7:842. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00842

Walrave M, Heirman W. Cyberbullying: Predicting Victimisation and Perpetration . Child Soc . 2011;25:59-72. doi:10.1111/j.1099-0860.2009.00260.x

Gámez-Guadix M, De Santisteban P. "Sex Pics?": Longitudinal Predictors of Sexting Among Adolescents . J Adolesc Health. 2018;63(5):608-614. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.05.032

Hilgard J, Engelhardt CR, Bartholow BD. Individual differences in motives, preferences, and pathology in video games: the gaming attitudes, motives, and experiences scales (GAMES) . Front Psychol. 2013;4:608. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00608

Alavi SS, Ferdosi M, Jannatifard F, Eslami M, Alaghemandan H, Setare M. Behavioral Addiction versus Substance Addiction: Correspondence of Psychiatric and Psychological Views .  Int J Prev Med . 2012;3(4):290-294.

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By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada. 

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Computer/Internet Addiction Symptoms, Causes and Effects Ad PsychGuides independently researches, tests, and reviews products and services which may benefit our readers. Where indicated by "Medically Reviewed by", Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. If you buy something through our links, or engage with a provider, we may earn a commission.

The Internet has made life a lot easier by making information more accessible to all and creating connections with different people around the world. However, it has also led a lot of people to spend too much time in front of the computer, so much so that it becomes the center of their lives. This can lead to an Internet or computer addiction .

Computer/Internet Addiction Symptoms, Causes and Effects

An Internet or computer addiction is the excessive use of the former or the latter. The latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) actually includes it as a disorder that needs further study and research. In a publication on the National Center for Biotechnology Information website, the study, which was conducted by the Department of Adult Psychiatry in the Poland Medical University, showed that Internet addiction was seen to be quite popular and common among young people, especially those who were only children. In fact, every fourth child is addicted to the Internet. This is an alarming statistic that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Are There Different Types of Computer or Internet Addictions?

Internet or computer addictions manifest in several ways that cover various degrees and areas of Internet usage. They are the following:

• Information overload. Too much online surfing leads to decreased productivity at work and fewer interactions with family members.
• Compulsions. Excessive time spent in online activities such as gaming, trading of stocks, gambling and even auctions often leads to overspending and problems at work.
• Cybersex addiction. Too much surfing of porn sites often affects real-life relationships.
• Cyber-relationship addiction. Excessive use of social networking sites to create relationships rather than spending time with family or friends may destroy real-life relationships.

These are the most commonly observed types of Internet addiction. If you or someone you know is suffering from this kind of addiction, you don’t have to face it on your own. We can help you. Just call at any time to speak to one of our trained advisors.

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What Causes an Addiction to Computers or the Web?

Whenever Internet addicts feel overwhelmed, stressed, depressed, lonely or anxious, they use the Internet to seek solace and escape. Studies from the University of Iowa show that Internet addiction is quite common among males ages 20 to 30 years old who are suffering from depression .

Certain people are predisposed to having a computer or Internet addiction, such as those who suffer from anxiety and depression. Their lack of emotional support means they turn to the Internet to fill this need. There are also those who have a history of other types of addiction, such as addictions to alcohol, drugs, sex and gambling. Even being stressed and unhappy can contribute greatly to the development of a computer or Internet addiction. People who are overly shy and cannot easily relate to their peers are also at a higher risk of developing a computer or Internet addiction.

What Are the Signs of an Online Addiction Problem?

An addiction to the Internet is manifested in both physical and emotional symptoms; however, these specifics may vary for each person. These are basically warning signals that an addiction may be developing. If you feel that you or a loved one has these symptoms, it is not yet too late. All it takes is a phone call to and we can help you.

Emotional Symptoms of Online Addiction

The following symptoms are typical of online addicts:

• Feelings of guilt
• Euphoric feelings when in front of the computer
• Unable to keep schedules
• No sense of time
• Defensiveness
• Avoiding doing work

Physical Symptoms of Online Addiction

The following symptoms are characteristic of someone who uses the computer for a very long period of time:

• Weight gain or loss
• Disturbances in sleep
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Blurred or strained vision

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of an Online Addiction

The short-term effects of an online addiction include unfinished tasks, forgotten responsibilities and weight gain. Long-term effects are seen more in the physical symptoms such as backache, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and vision problems from staring at the screen. It can also lead to bankruptcy, especially if the time spent online is focused on shopping , gambling and gaming .

According to Oberlin College of Computer Science, aside from being dependent on the Internet, addicts may develop technostress wherein they internalize how a computer works, such as accelerated time and perfect results. It can also cause social withdrawal, feeling more at ease interacting with people online rather than in person.

Is There a Test or Self-Assessment I Can Do?

A lot of studies and surveys are being conducted to measure the extent of this type of addiction. Dr. Kimberly S. Young has created a questionnaire based on other disorders to assess levels of addiction. It is the Internet Addict Diagnostic Questionnaire or IADQ. Answering positively to five out of the eight questions may be indicative of an online addiction. Here are the questions:

• Are you preoccupied with using the Internet? Do you think about your previous or future online activity?
• Do you have the need to be online longer to be satisfied?
• Have you made repeated but unsuccessful attempts to cut back, stop or control your Internet use?
• Do you become moody, restless, irritable or depressed when you stop or decrease your Internet use?
• Is your time spent online longer than what you originally planned?
• Did your online use negatively affect a significant relationship, education, career or job?
• Do you conceal the extent of your Internet usage from your therapist, family or others?
• Does the Internet serve as an escape from problems or relief from a bad mood?

Medication: Are There Drug Options for Internet/Computer Addictions?

These addictions may be triggered by underlying emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety, so medications used for those conditions can be given in the hope that treating the underlying cause will cause a cessation of the Internet or computer addiction. These medications are antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs.

Drugs: Possible Options

When the addiction gets out of control, medications are sometimes needed to keep Internet addicts from harming themselves by staying online too long. Escitalopram is a drug option that has been shown to be effective for Internet addiction, according to studies by Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Medication Side Effects

As with all other medications for psychological disorders, taking a medication for online addiction may cause adverse side effects. It’s important to consult with your doctor regarding any potential side effects prior to starting any medication.

Antidepressant Drug Addiction, Dependence and Withdrawal in Online Addicts

Taking an antidepressant for an online addiction may also lead to dependence on this medication. Withdrawal from an antidepressant should always be gradual and under medical supervision as is done with people who are being treated for depression .

Medication Overdose

The taking of medications should always be monitored and dispensed by a qualified health professional. Overdose of these medications may lead to further complications and can be extremely harmful.

Depression and Online Addiction

Depression is seen to be a risk factor and cause for online addiction. Treating depression may lessen the chance that an online addiction will occur.

Dual Diagnosis: Online Addiction and Substance Abuse

An Internet addiction and substance abuse often go hand in hand with each other. Most of the time, those who abuse alcohol or drugs are those with the predisposition to get addicted to the Internet as it serves as a means of escape from reality.

A study from Swansea and Milan Universities shows that when Internet addicts go offline or stop using the computer, they experience withdrawal symptoms similar to those experienced by drug addicts. This shows that these addictions are often interrelated.

Getting Help for an Internet Addiction

Any addiction is no laughing matter. It affects not only the addict but also everyone who surrounds them. If you think you need help for internet or computer addiction , or someone you know needs assistance to stop this addiction, we can help. Just call . We are here to help you get back on the road to an addiction-free life.

Additional Resources

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Internet use and teen mental health: it’s about more than just screen time

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Candice Odgers writes that more research is needed on the effects of social media on adolescents’ mental well-being ( Nature 628 , 29–30; 2024 ). She and others have extensively discussed methodologies for establishing causal effects (see C. L. Odgers and M. R. Jensen J. Child Psychol. Psychiatry 61 , 336–348; 2020 ), but other aspects also need further nuanced consideration.

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Essay on Internet Addiction

Students are often asked to write an essay on Internet Addiction in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Internet Addiction

Introduction.

Internet addiction is a growing problem globally. It refers to excessive use of the internet, leading to negative impacts on a person’s life.

The main cause of internet addiction is the desire for online social interaction and entertainment. Online games, social media, and websites can be very engaging.

Internet addiction can lead to poor academic performance, lack of social skills, and health issues like eye strain and obesity due to physical inactivity.

It’s important to balance internet usage with other activities. Parents and teachers can help by setting limits and promoting healthy habits.

Also check:

• Paragraph on Internet Addiction

250 Words Essay on Internet Addiction

The advent of the internet has revolutionized human existence, providing limitless opportunities for learning, communication, and entertainment. However, this unprecedented access to information and connectivity has birthed a new form of dependency – internet addiction.

Understanding Internet Addiction

Internet addiction, also known as compulsive internet use, is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behaviors regarding computer use and internet access. It is a psychological disorder that can lead to severe stress, anxiety, and a variety of other mental health problems.

Causes and Effects

The causes of internet addiction are multifaceted, ranging from the need for social interaction, escapism, or the thrill of exploring virtual realities. The effects, however, can be detrimental, leading to academic failure, job loss, and the breakdown of personal relationships.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention is always better than cure. Encouraging healthy internet usage habits, promoting physical activities, and fostering real-life social interactions can help prevent this addiction. However, once addicted, professional help may be necessary. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has proven effective in treating internet addiction by helping individuals to identify and change patterns of thought that lead to compulsive behaviors.

In conclusion, while the internet has undoubtedly brought about vast benefits, it has also introduced new challenges. Internet addiction is a growing concern that requires our attention. By understanding its causes and effects, we can develop strategies to prevent and treat this modern-day affliction.

500 Words Essay on Internet Addiction

Internet addiction, also known as compulsive internet use, has emerged as a significant issue in the digital age. It is a psychological condition that involves excessive use of the internet, resulting in negative impacts on an individual’s life.

Internet addiction is characterized by an individual’s inability to control their use of the internet, which eventually interferes with their daily life, work, and relationships. It is not merely about the amount of time spent online but the obsession with internet activities to the point where it affects mental and physical health, personal relationships, and productivity.

Causes and Symptoms

The causes of internet addiction can be multifaceted. It can be a symptom of other underlying mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and stress disorders. The anonymity, ease of access, and perceived environment of acceptance and escape the internet offers can also contribute to its addictive potential. Symptoms may include preoccupation with the internet, inability to control online use, neglect of personal life, and emotional changes such as restlessness or irritability when internet use is limited.

Impacts of Internet Addiction

Internet addiction can have severe impacts. It can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which can result in obesity, cardiovascular issues, and other health problems. It can also lead to sleep disorders due to late-night internet use. From a psychological perspective, it can increase feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. It can also lead to academic or job failures due to a lack of concentration and reduced productivity.

Preventing internet addiction involves promoting healthy internet use. This can be achieved by setting time limits, taking regular breaks, and promoting a balanced lifestyle with physical activities and offline social interactions. Treatment for those already addicted often involves cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps individuals identify problematic behaviors and develop coping strategies. In severe cases, medication may also be used under professional supervision.

In conclusion, internet addiction is a growing concern that requires attention. As we continue to embrace digital technology, it is crucial to promote healthy internet use and provide help for those struggling with addiction. It’s a call to action for researchers, mental health professionals, and society as a whole to understand and address this modern-day issue effectively.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Evolution of Internet
• Essay on Life Without Internet
• Essay on Influence of Internet on Children

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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Essay On Internet Addiction

Essay on the Types of Internet Addiction

Net compulsion, general addiction, relationship addiction, compulsive web surfing, essay on the symptoms of internet addiction, essay on the causes of internet addiction, social influences, self-medication, emotional patterns, compulsive behavior, essay on the effects of internet addiction, relationship issues, decreased productivity, disassociation and instant gratification, essay on the prevention of internet addiction, admit the fact, limit computer time, avoid send messages and mails, start a hobby.

Unfortunately, many people are addicted to the internet. The usage of internet has increased to a great extent that it started interfering in other key areas of life such as – education, work, and relationship, physical and emotional health. When internet becomes a priority, the individual no longer participate in life outside the virtual world.

Internet addiction is a compulsive disorder that interferes with normal living. It causes severe stress and relationship problems with family and friends.

There are different forms of addiction involved with over-use of internet, and it is essential to identify the category. Most of the times, internet addiction is characterized by a compulsive desire to interact online through cybersex, gambling, gaming, social networking and compulsive surfing.

Here is the detailed description of different types of internet addiction.

This type of internet addiction takes place in fantasy role playing sites and adult chat rooms. Watching internet pornography is the most common type of cybersex addiction.

This type of addiction includes compulsive gaming, gambling, trading stocks, shopping or excessive use of internet that interferes with personal and professional well-being.

Some people play on computer obsessively, such as – Solitaire, programming a computer etc. They enjoy playing offline games and stay in front of computer for long period. Such addiction is called general addiction and can be treated easily.

There are lot of people who have multiple social media accounts and chat rooms. These people take part in social networks and virtual messages with the purpose of having online relationships. They enjoy more with online friends than with family members or real friends.

Compulsive web surfing is a disorder where individuals keep on surfing the web or database to a point. They do not give time to friends, family members or regular work at home.

Not all the users who surf web become addicted to the internet. In some cases, excessive usage of internet is not associated with internet addiction. Internet is one of the best sources of information and there are many ways in which it can be used in a healthy way.

Now, the question is – how to recognize healthy internet use and unhealthy internet use?

Well, the level of internet usage differs from person to person and we should consider multiple factors to determine what level of internet usage is unhealthy. Some people depend on internet for professional work and use excessively. However, this does not mean that the person is internet addicted. Some people might use internet to connect with their family members who are staying far away. This too does not necessarily mean that the person is addicted.

Unhealthy usage of internet can often be characterized by the decision of the individual to interact online instead of the person in real life. The decision to spend time online without any purpose is a warning signal that the person is addicted. Using internet for long hours with the purpose of spending time can cause negative consequences in individuals in terms of broken relationship, increased anxiety, reduced productivity or financial distress.

Internet addiction can be manifested in both physical and emotional symptoms. However, the symptoms vary from person to person. Individuals should watch for warning signals that internet addiction may be developing.

Internet addiction can be diagnosed with some of the below symptoms.

• Compulsive urge to use internet for increased amount of time to achieve browsing satisfaction. Individuals who lack control in computer usage often suffer from internet addiction.
• If you are staying online for more time than you have decided, it means there is something wrong. Using internet as a way of escaping reality or negative mood can be a sign of internet addiction.
• If you feel depressed, stressed or irritated when not using internet, you are suffering from severe internet addiction. You might have an addiction of internet if you are isolating yourself from family and friends to spend time online.
• If you have trouble focusing on regular work or you have found that your online time has made you slack on the daily tasks, you may be suffering from internet addiction.

If you are using internet to reduce stress or boost your mood, it means you are seriously addicted to internet. Many people with internet addiction fail to achieve relationship connections normally and end up with unproductive results. If you have any of the above symptoms, you should schedule appointment with physiatrist.

It is hard to say what causes internet addiction. To understand how internet addiction causes, you should first compare it with different types of addictions such as drug addiction, relationship addiction etc. drug addicts feel normal, if their drug needs are fulfilled. Similarly, internet addict feel normal by surfing internet for longer periods.

Internet addiction is a newer phenomenon and there is no clear definition of internet addiction. More research needs to be conducted to know the primary causes of internet addiction. The causes can vary with gender, age and personality.

Some of the possible causes of internet addiction are as below –

Society plays an important role in different types of behavioral issues, such as internet addiction, drug addiction, TV addiction etc. If the individual’s friends or family members are constantly engaged in a particular activity, such behavior is socially acceptable. Internet addiction seems to be common among people who interact more online in the form of online games, chat rooms, social media etc.

This is another possible cause of internet addiction. Someone who is addicted to a substance is prone to become addicted to other activities. People with mental disorder like – depression, stress, anxiety may self-medicate by using internet to relieve their symptoms. For example – people with depression, anxiety, stress or any other mental condition may use alcohol or other substance to feel better.

The emotions and thinking pattern of person play a vital role in driving addiction behaviors. Thoughts and emotions tank on the top of list, when it comes to any form of addiction. It is all about how the person handles difficult emotions. As an escape mechanism, people who are suffering from anxiety or depression can easily get lost in the virtual world. When a person experiences the feelings of loneliness and finds relief while online, the seed of internet addiction starts to sprout.

An internet activity that encourages a compulsive behavior is another possible reason behind internet addiction. For example – online casinos and gambling sites encourage the individual to play again and again. Some people are information addict and do not stop themselves from browsing the web and reading informational articles.

People who are shy find it difficult to interact with others and many develop internet addiction. They often feel that meeting people online is less intimidating than direct communication. A lot of people have a strong desire for human connection and it is high in people suffering with social anxiety. Chat rooms and social media sites give them an opportunity to connect with others without facing the fear of direct communication. When they communication online, they can control how they are perceived by others.

People become addicted to the internet because they receive a positive feeling. Someone with right mix of addictive personality and poor emotional health could get addicted if internet happens to fall into their life.

People who spend hours on the internet start to see some negative effects in their lives. In a survey, it was found that internet addicts spend more than 60% of their time online. Addiction comes out as a compulsive need to engage in an activity that poses threat to other areas of life. The idea of internet addiction seems to be silly, especially in those who do not have any kind of disorder.

As said above, addictive behavior can be defined as something that increases tolerance levels or the need to spend more time. People who spend unusual amount of time online meet all the key criteria for addiction. The effects of internet addiction tend to become apparent with time.

Some of the possible effects of internet addiction are –

This is the most common effect of internet addiction. When someone is immersed in online activities for a longer period, it means they are not interested in real world activities. The changes become more apparent in terms of friends, family and beloved ones. Certain types of internet addiction such as online casino, gambling, rummy etc poses certain threats to stability in relationship.

Similarly, continuous web surfing can cause threat to close relationships. Loss of relationship in person’s life results in loss of self-identity and connection with life.

An individual who spends lot of time online may get isolated from family and friends. In some cases, the effects of internet addiction results in conditions involving loneliness and depression. Lack of social interaction can have an effect on the physical and mental condition of the individual. A with other addictions, the longer an individual uses, the severe are the symptoms.

The effects of internet addiction can be so severe that the person doesn’t feel the need of social interaction. As the screen time increases, the person may lack physical exercise – as a result of which his/her health starts to decline.

People suffering with internet addiction remain online just to avoid some important activities such as making a call or completing their office work. These people often go out less frequently and do not interact much with others. Moreover, they have low rates of productivity as they either put off doing the work or unable to do the work.

Surfing aimlessly or playing games for hours wastes a lot of precious time. Internet addicts are wrapped up with online activities and fail to notice that how time has gone by.

Internet addicts become heavily involved in online community with the purpose of escaping from real life problems. For example – if someone is involved in online social network, they use it to avoid having to deal with face to face interactions in real world. Internet addicts may even have a poor impulse control, which means they cannot stop themselves from clicking on the links or checking emails.

The advent of social media has created an obsession to share personal life with the world. People expect others to drop everything to respond to a text or email. Many people have trouble living in the moment because they are too busy sharing moments with others.

As said above, depression could be one of the possible causes of internet addiction. Depressed people may use internet as a self-medication to feel better, as it allows them to ignore the problems they are facing currently. Remember that they feel better for a time being only. Internet addiction can worsen the symptoms of depression when they logout. They still have to face their problems and deal with them, rather than putting them off.

Besides the above effects, internet addicts may notice decreased levels of personal hygiene. They hardly care about their looks. Internet addicts tend to feel zoned out after several hours of internet usage. Moreover, they may develop physical symptoms such as – back, shoulder, joints and hand pain. Some people even develop poor eyesight issues due to prolonged hours in front of computer.

When it comes to technology, you should create a healthy work-life balance. There are some simple ways to prevent internet addiction and live a healthy life.

To seek help with internet addiction disorder, you should be given a mental test to assess your dependency on the internet. The most common assessment to make diagnosis of internet addiction include – problematic internet use questionnaire, compulsive internet use scale and internet addiction test.

Many of us surf the internet and there is a fine line between casual surfing and compulsive surfing. If you fear that you may lose interest in real life activities as you prefer to be on the internet, you may be on your way to addiction.

Here are some proven ways to prevent internet addiction.

If you are using internet for prolonged hours, you should first admit that you are at risk of internet addiction. You are not the only one with the problem. Internet addiction has become a prominent issue and large group of people are facing this issue. Do not be embarrassed to accept or share your problem with others.

To prevent internet addiction, set aside some time for computer use. If you have a laptop, do not use it on holidays. Keep it somewhere and try not to go near it. Keep the screen closed, if you are not using it. When the computer is no looking at you, you are less likely to use it.

Use an alarm clock as time to limit computer usage time. You can even program your computer in such a way that it shuts down automatically after 30-40 minutes.

Call people instead of messaging them or sending an email. This will keep you way from computer. If you are in college or office, try doing work together with a friend or colleague. Make copies of information needed. If you have to browse same information again and again, you should consider copying the information, rather than browsing again and again. This will stop you from using the internet again and again.

Get involved in a hobby or class that keeps you away from computer, laptop, smartphones and other internet enabled devices. You can even make a habit of going to concerts, events, film screening etc happening in your city. Make sure that you get involved in those activities for long period. If you are not interested in a hobby or event, you can help with meals. Cook something for your family to stay away from internet. Avoid eating meals at computer. Instead, eat at a separate place to avoid going online.

You can go for a short trip with your family or even friends. Instead of watching TV or getting involved in individual things – you should spend some time with your family. You can even watch a movie along with your family or go out for an evening walk.

All the above things will help you prevent internet addiction. Remember that you are not the only one suffering from internet addiction. There are hundreds of people suffering from internet addiction and it can be treated easily.

Internet addiction refers to the compulsive need to stay online that interferes with normal life and may affect relationships. It can negatively affect personal relationships with beloved ones as well as cause negative impact on life. By spending hours on the internet, the development of social skills may be impacted negatively.

There are a number of ways to prevent and treat internet addiction. Some of the popular ways to treat internet addiction are – psychotherapy, counselling, support groups etc. The main objective of internet addiction treatment is to reduce the compulsion to use internet and reach a point where the individual uses internet for certain period. The individuals should be able to use internet as a ‘Choice’ and not ‘Compulsion’.

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Internet addiction among university students. essay sample and references.

The issue of internet addiction among university students has been a subject of recent studies. The Youngs internet addiction test (YIAT) is commonly used for measuring levels of internet addiction, categorizing it as normal, mild, moderate, or severe based on scores. Factors associated with internet addiction in university students include depression, social anxiety, substance use, and various socio-demographic elements such as age, sex, and academic performance. The studies also explore the relationship between time-related factors and internet usage, examining how these variables interact with students’ internet addiction levels. The data collection for these studies often involves self-administered questionnaires, covering a wide range of topics from personal habits to academic information​.

Key Aspects and Points

Introduction

• Hook: Start with a startling statistic or fact about internet addiction among university students.
• Background Context: Provide context about the increasing reliance on the internet in university settings.
• Thesis Statement: Outline the focus of the essay, which could be examining the causes, effects, and potential solutions for internet addiction among university students.

Body Paragraphs

• Discuss factors such as academic pressure, social connections, and accessibility of the internet that contribute to addiction.
• Describe how internet addiction impacts academic performance, mental health, and social relationships.
• Explore if certain demographics are more susceptible and how the university environment may exacerbate this issue.
• Briefly compare internet addiction with other forms of addiction to highlight unique challenges and similarities.
• Propose potential solutions, including university policies, counseling services, and student-led initiatives.
• Summary: Recap the main points discussed, reiterating the significance of each.
• Restate Thesis: Emphasize the thesis in light of the arguments made.
• Closing Thoughts: Offer final thoughts on the future implications of internet addiction in academia and potential areas for further research or action.

Suggested sources and references:

• Arifin, S., Kamaruddin, S. H., Azlan, S. C., Nawi, R. M., Arifin, J., & Muhammad, H. (2023). The Prevalence of Internet Addiction among University Students in Malaysia. In International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences . International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences. https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v13-i11/19268
• Su, Y., Li, D., & Ding, N. (2023). The effect of stress on internet addiction among university students: the mediating role of self-control. In Journal of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences . Journal of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences. https://doi.org/10.54097/ehss.v15i.9284
• Kabadayı, S. Y., Kabadayı, F., & Avcı, M. (2023). A Path Analysis of Contact Styles, Relationship Satisfaction, and Internet Addiction among University Students. In International Journal of Psychology and Educational Studies . International Journal of Psychology and Educational Studies. https://doi.org/10.52380/ijpes.2023.10.1.816
• Nadarajan, S., Hengudomsub, P., & Wacharasin, C. (2023). The role of academic procrastination on Internet addiction among Thai university students: A cross-sectional study. In Belitung Nursing Journal (Vols. 9, pp. 384-390). Belitung Nursing Journal. https://doi.org/10.33546/bnj.2755
• Mahmoud, M. S., El-Awady, M. Y., Boulos, D., & Gabal, H. M. S. (2023). Internet Addiction among a Sample of Ain Shams University Students: A Cross Sectional Study. In QJM: An International Journal of Medicine . QJM: An International Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1093/qjmed/hcad069.695
• Çimşir, E., & Akdoğan, R. (2023). Inferiority feelings and internet addiction among Turkish University students in the context of COVID-19: The mediating role of emotion dysregulation. In Current Psychology (New Brunswick, N.j.) (pp. 1-10). Current Psychology (New Brunswick, N.j.). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-04661-7
• Salarvand, S., Albatineh, A. N., Dalvand, S., Karimi, E. B., & Gheshlagh, R. G. (2022). Prevalence of Internet Addiction Among Iranian University Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. In Cyberpsychology, behavior and social networking . Cyberpsychology, behavior and social networking. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2021.0120
• Soliman, E., Allabun, S., Algenaimi, E., Aldhuwayhi, R., Almutairi, A., Al-warthan, S., & Cordero, M. The relationship between alexithymia and internet addiction among university students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries . International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries. https://doi.org/10.24911/IJMDC.51-1601559603

Suggested reading:

• Association, M., & Resources, I. (2019). Internet and Technology Addiction: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice . IGI Global. https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=PJGbDwAAQBAJ&source=gbs_api
• Maruish, M. E. (2017). Handbook of Psychological Assessment in Primary Care Settings . Routledge. https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=7Z-8DgAAQBAJ&source=gbs_api
• Young, K., & Ph.D., . (2016). Internet Addiction Test (IAT) . Stoelting. https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=vaRaDwAAQBAJ&source=gbs_api
• Bozoglan, ., & Bahadir, . (2017). Psychological, Social, and Cultural Aspects of Internet Addiction . IGI Global. https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=-Ow_DwAAQBAJ&source=gbs_apiChen, G., Kumar, V., Kinshuk, ., Huang, R., & Kong, S. C. (2014). Emerging Issues in Smart Learning . Springer. https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=Vbx_BAAAQBAJ&source=gbs_api

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A study of internet addiction and its effects on mental health: A study based on Iranian University Students

Javad yoosefi lebni.

1 Health Education and Health Promotion, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran

Razie Toghroli

2 Social Determinants in Health Promotion Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran

Jaffar Abbas

3 Antai College of Economics and Management/School of Media and Communication, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai-China

Nazila NeJhaddadgar

4 Department of Health Care Services and Health Education, School of Health, Ardabil University of Medical Science, Ardabil, Iran

Mohammad Reza Salahshoor

5 Department of Anatomical Sciences, Medical School, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran

Morteza Mansourian

6 Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Hadi Darvishi Gilan

Neda kianipour.

7 Students Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran

Fakhreddin Chaboksavar

Seyyed amar azizi, arash ziapour, introduction:.

The Internet has drastically affected human behavior, and it has positive and negative effects; however, its excessive usage exposes users to internet addiction. The diagnosis of students' mental dysfunction is vital to monitor their academic progress and success by preventing this technology through proper handling of the usage addiction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This descriptive-analytical study selected 447 students (232 females and 215 males) of the first and second semesters enrolled at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2018 by using Cochrane's sample size formula and stratified random sampling. The study applied Young's Internet Addiction Test and Goldberg General Health Questionnaire 28 for data collection. The study screened the data received and analyzed valid data set through the t -test and Pearson's correlation coefficient by incorporating SPSS Statistics software version 23.0.

The results of the current study specified that the total mean score of the students for internet addiction and mental health was 3.81 ± 0.88 and 2.56 ± 0.33, correspondingly. The results revealed that internet addiction positively correlated with depression and mental health, which indicated a negative relationship ( P > 0.001). The multiple regression analysis results showed students' five significant vulnerability predictors toward internet addiction, such as the critical reason for using the Internet, faculty, depression, the central place for using the Internet, and somatic symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS:

The study findings specified that students' excessive internet usage leads to anxiety, depression, and adverse mental health, which affect their academic performance. Monitoring and controlling students' internet addiction through informative sessions on how to use the Internet adequately is useful.

Introduction

In recent years, technological advancements have taken place in the modern world. In the complexity of today's world, internet use is playing a vital role in educational institutions to attain different learning skills, which have become a necessity for university students. However, scholars have shown concerns about the excessive use of this technology and the hidden risk factors of internet users, such as physical and mental health.[ 1 , 2 ] The Internet is an easy and quick medium of interaction to gain the required information for communication with others around the world. However, a lack of control over excessive internet use can disturb individuals' living standards and relationships between family members, and it can bring instability of feelings.[ 3 , 4 ] The users of the Internet have increased incredibly worldwide, with the peak of a digital industrial revolution in progress, and new technological revolution will undoubtedly create new problems and predicaments.[ 4 , 5 ] The history of internet users goes back some decades at present. The Internet has become one of the most fast-growing and transformative technologies. Globally, the users of the Internet have increased from 414 million in 2000, 665 million in 2002, and over 4.574 billion by December 31, 2019. The US National Science Foundation specified that the internet users enabled by smartphones access would increase to 5 billion in 2020.[ 6 , 7 ] In recent years, internet users in Iran have grown dramatically. According to the reported statistics, the Iranian users of the internet have risen from 11.0 million in 2006, 33.0 million in 2002, and over 62 million by July 1, 2019. Hence, the users of the Internet in Iran have increased drastically over 25 times, and recent research conducted in Iran indicated that the young population makes up the majority of internet users.[ 8 ] Previous research specified that the Iranian users devote 35% of their time to chat rooms, 28% to online games, 30% to checking E-mails, and 25% to surfing the net on averages, while connected to the Internet. Besides, another study reported that Iranian users spend 52 min/week as an average time, while linked to the Internet.[ 9 ]

Internet addiction disorder, pathological internet use, or problematic internet use typically refers to the questionable or compulsive use of the Internet, which results in substantial impairment in the function of individuals in their different life domains over prolonged time. Internet addiction and other relationships based on the usage of digital media and mental health are vital considerable research fields, arguments, and discussions among numerous experts and researchers in various disciplines. This addictive behavior has made controversy from the areas of scientific, medical, and technological communities. Internet addiction is an interdisciplinary phenomenon, and different researchers have investigated it from different perspectives from various disciplines, such as medicine, computer science, sociology, law, and psychology.[ 10 ] Some scholars have considered internet addiction as a social crisis, and it has attracted the attention of different researchers and experts. This phenomenon is a biological, psychological, social, economic, and cultural problem, which is impossible to be taken into account as a simple matter because different factors influence it.[ 11 ] The excessive and pathological use of the Internet refers to internet addiction.[ 6 ] Therefore, with the growing number of internet users and its widespread psychological and sociological implications, it is necessary to determine and recognize the contribution of predictive factors in internet addiction. By conducting pathological studies about internet addiction to judge the addictive behaviors, it would enable us to utilize this technology with a balanced approach better and more usefully.[ 12 ] Internet addiction generally refers to a type of applying the Internet, which leads to psychological, social, educational, or occupational problems in a person's life.[ 13 , 14 ] Scholars have described this phenomenon as internet addiction dysfunction[ 15 ] and the problematic application of the Internet,[ 16 ] or habitual use of the Internet,[ 17 ] which determines it as one of the forms of behavioral addiction.[ 18 ] Researchers have also described internet addiction as “the modern addiction.” In practice, this type of addiction is true dependency, like drug addiction and other kinds of dependency. Although this kind of dependency does not have the somatic problems of chemical addiction, its resultant social problems are like other types of addiction.[ 1 ] In the 2015 World Statistics report, the number of internet users and the population of countries were specified; it was reported that the total world population was 7,264,623,793, of which 3,079,339,857 were using the Internet, and the young made up the majority of users.[ 8 ] While taking into account many points of proper and practical use of the Internet and prevention of mental illness, these reported statistics underscore the importance of the Internet and social networks. Internet addiction is an etymological process of using the Internet that creates a psychological state in which the user's behavior is disturbed, thereby leading to a dysfunction in his/her cognitive status.[ 19 ] Mental health is one of the main pillars of healthy human societies, which plays a vital role in ensuring the dynamism and efficiency of any society. As university students are among the most prestigious layers of societies, they present future builders in any country, and newly arrived students in universities from far-away cities are the first who fall victim to internet addiction. The mental health of the students is essential for raising their learning and scientific awareness.[ 19 ] Mental health is a concept that reflects our thinking, feelings, and functioning in dealing with various life situations.[ 20 ] In this modern world, the disease patterns are shifting toward no communicable diseases, and the rising rate of mental dysfunction and the resultant costs imposed on societies have attracted the attention of health promotion specialists.[ 8 ] In this regard, the Global Burden of Disease statistics has introduced mental illnesses as one of the three primary causes of lost years of life due to disability.[ 21 ] According to the WHO, mental health is defined as one's ability to communicate with others harmoniously; modify the personal and social environment; and resolve conflicts and personal preferences logically, fairly, and appropriately.[ 22 ] Besides, the statistics announced by the WHO reported that 52 million people of different age groups suffer from severe illnesses worldwide and 250 million have mild mental dysfunction. In Iran, these statistics are not lower than those in other countries.[ 23 ] The results of the epidemiological studies conducted to examine psychiatric dysfunction in Iran are indicative of the variability of the prevalence of dysfunction between 11.9% and 30.2%.[ 24 , 25 ]

Concerning internet addiction, addressing the problems of individuals' mental health is of great importance. An earlier study conducted by Fallah reported that depression was more prevailing among internet users with addictive behavior as compared with average internet users. The finding specified that individuals having internet addiction showed anxious behavior and their mental health was more exposed to higher risks.[ 23 ] Lashgarara et al . described that 34% of university students had addictive behavior to the Internet based on the Young's categorization.[ 26 ]

In a previous study, Fonia et al . reported that students' mental health and internet addiction showed a negative relationship, and their internet addictive behavior was not significant. It was different from the students' gender and marital status variables.[ 27 ] Another study of Nastizai claimed that students' internet addiction developed a higher risk of mental health than ordinary users of the Internet.[ 28 ] Fonia et al . reported that there was a significant difference between internet addiction among male and female students.[ 27 ] Similarly, the relationship between internet addiction and users' mental health received more considerable attention, and previous studies have emphasized this matter, such as the investigations of Fallah Mehneh,[ 29 ] Alavi et al .,[ 30 ] Mirzaian et al .,[ 31 ] and Taheri Mobarakeh et al .[ 32 ] The tendency of using the Internet among students is higher, and they are more vulnerable to the risk of internet addiction. Thus, more attention to students' mental health needs should be considerable paid for their future as well as the development of the nation.[ 22 , 25 ] Universities need to pay attention to boosting students' mental health, personal growth, and well-being. Because internet addiction prevails worldwide, it also exists in Iran for several years, and young individuals have shown greater engagement toward internet use, while students make up the majority of internet users. The excessive use of the Internet leads to psychological injury, mental health damage, and other health problems. Experts have suggested necessary measures to prevent internet addiction among students and treat disorders and health problems where appropriate.[ 33 ] The present research emphasized investigating internet addiction and its effects on the mental health of medical students at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, and its findings provide valuable insights.

Materials and Methods

This descriptive-analytical study selected 447 students (232 females and 215 males) of the first and second semesters enrolled at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, in 2018 (May 2017–October 2018) by applying Cochrane's sample size formula and stratified random sampling methods. This method draws the statistical population according to the hierarchy of the types of population units. The study applied Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) for data collection. The study screened the data received and analyzed valid data set through the t -test and Pearson's correlation coefficient by incorporating SPSS Statistics software version 24.0. Hence, the authors randomly selected nine faculties (medicine, dentistry, pharmaceutical medicine, nursing and midwifery, paramedics, public health, nutrition sciences, and food industries, and self-governing college). In the next step, we selected majors and classes from each faculty (as many as the number of research samples) and evaluated the data. The inclusion criterion was the right to choose the courses freely, and the investigators have excluded incomplete questionnaires from the study. Besides, we assured participants about the confidentiality of the collected information and lack of disclosure of their personal information. Besides, the ethical principles employed in the present study included critical steps, such as obtaining the necessary permits, retaining the right for the schools under investigation to either accept or reject to participate in the research study, and ensuring confidentiality and nondisclosure of agreement. The investigators distributed the questionnaires among the target respondents. The authors explained the objectives of the present study to the target individuals and obtained informed consent from all participants before to execute the research. Not to mention, the exclusion criteria were the sample's disinterest in participating in the study and handing over incomplete questionnaires.

Demographic questionnaire

The first section of the self-administered instrument contained the demographics and comprised questions on gender, age, marital status, place of residence, faculty, education, having a personal computer, central location, and time of using the Internet, and the primary reason for using the Internet.

Internet Addiction Test

Young developed this 20-item scale for measuring the internet addiction, which affects a variety of aspects in users' lives.[ 17 ] The study applied the Persian translation of Young's IAT developed by Alavi et al .[ 30 ] The questions showed the scores on a selected 5-point Likert scale (5 = always, 4 = usually, 3 = most of the time, 2 = sometimes, and 1 = seldom). The ranges of minimum and maximum scores showed 20–100. The scores divided internet users into the following three groups: typical users indicating a score of 20–49; at-risk users, specifying a score of 50–79; and the internet users having an addiction with a score of 80–100. The highest scores represent the highest levels of students' dependency on the Internet, which leads to addictive behavior. Recent studies evidenced that a score of 50 or above shows internet addiction. Besides, this study confirmed the questionnaire's validity from three experts by applying the content validity index (0.84), while the survey confirmed reliability through the t -test (0.88). The Cronbach's alpha provided a satisfactory value (0.87) with a sample of twenty medical students within 2-week process of data collection. The findings of the reliability and validity of this instrument/tool are consistent with the results of previous studies, which indicated over 90%.[ 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ]

The General Health Questionnaire

This prospective study used GHQ-28 for gathering data.[ 39 ] The study screened the data received and analyzed valid data set through the t -test and Pearson's correlation coefficient by using the SPSS Statistics software version 24.0. The self-reported Goldberg's 28-item questionnaire examines the individual's mental health in the recent month and includes symptoms such as abnormal thoughts and feelings and aspects of visible behavior. This questionnaire consists of the following four subscales: somatic symptoms (questions 1–7), anxiety (questions 8–14), social dysfunction (questions 15–21), and depression (questions 22–28). Each subscale contains seven questions that measure the various aspects of mental health, ranging from somatic to psychological dysfunction.[ 39 ] The questions presented scores with a 4-point Likert scale (0 = not at all, 1 = average, 2 = more than average, and 3 = far more than average). The minimum and maximum ranges illustrated 0–84, which showed categories into four levels of mental health, for instance, normal (0–22), weak (21–40), balanced (41–60), and severe (61–84). The highest ratings/scores represented the lowest level of students' mental health status. The study examined and confirmed the questionnaire's reliability for each section by using content validity (0.80). The sought the opinion from three experts by using the content validity index (0.80) and confirmed reliability through several tests, such as test-retest (0.87). The study calculated the Cronbach's alpha (0.93) value from the sample of twenty medical students. The results derived from the tests of reliability and validity of this instrument are in line with the findings of previous global studies, which specified the same results.[ 9 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]

The study applied descriptive statistics (percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics ( t -test and Pearson's correlation coefficient) to analyze the data received by using the SPSS Statistics software (version 23.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), and applied required analysis at the statistical significance level of 0.05 ( P < 0.01).

Ethical consideration

This study is the part of the research project (IR.KUMS.REC.1397.108, No. 97056) sponsored by the Deputy of Research and Technology from Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The authors maintained all the protocols before performing all the procedures engaged in this study involving human participants in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

The total population comprised of 447 participants in the present study, including 215 male (48.1%) and 232 female (51.9%) students. The average age of the respondents under investigation was 23.47 ± 4.58 years, and the majority of respondents' age ranged between 19 and 24 years (69.6%). Concerning the marital status, there were 360 single participants (80.50%) in this population. The second majority of the study indicated bachelor's degree students (202 students or 45.20%), and the majority of the discipline was a school of medicine (71 students or 15.90%). The majority of the dormitory students comprised 48.30% (216/447). The study findings specified that 356 students possessed their computers (356/447 = 79.60%), and the number of students using the Internet at their dormitories comprised 205 respondents (205/447 = 45.90%). The results indicated that the majority of the students used the Internet either in the morning or in the evening (367/447 = 82.10%).

The main reason for using the internet application was chatting with friends and family members. The mean and standard deviation of students with internet addiction was 3.81 ± 0.88. Besides, the mean and standard deviation of students' mental health was 2.56 ± 0.33, which stated that the general mental health of students was not in good condition. Regarding the mental health of the students' sample, the study results indicated that the highest and lowest rates showed linkage to depression with a mean and standard deviation of 2.84 ± 0.21 and somatic dysfunction with a mean and standard deviation of 2.16 ± 0.79, respectively, as indicated in Table 1 . This specific study applied the Pearson's correlation coefficient to determine the relationship between the students' internet addiction and mental health. The results of the correlation matrix demonstrated that they did not statistically significantly correlate with each other ( P < 0.001, r = 0.052). The study results specified that students' depression and somatic symptoms had the highest ( P = 0.001, r = 0.166) and lowest ( P > 0.001, r = 0.006) relationships with internet addiction, as indicated in Table 2 .

Internet addiction and mental health scores for different genders

The results of Pearson’s correlation coefficient between internet addiction and mental health among students

**Correlation was significant at the 0.01 level (two tailed)

The present study aimed to investigate internet addiction and its effects on the mental health of medical students at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences. The results of the present study demonstrated that 45.5% of students at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences were addicted to the Internet. This finding was concurrent with the results of studies conducted by Farhadinia et al .,[ 43 ] Sepehrian and Jokar,[ 44 ] Fonia et al .,[ 27 ] and Dargahi and Razavi.[ 45 ] Those who use the Internet more than others can replace stronger relationships in real life with low-quality social relationships, thereby resulting in more loneliness and depression. To further explicate the matter, the Internet may serve as a substitute for lives without vitality. Loneliness and isolation may cause people to spend more time on the Internet, thereby decreasing the quality of their social relationships.

As for the demographic characteristics, the results demonstrated that there was a significant difference between male and female students in terms of internet addiction. In addition, 23% of male students were internet addicts, which exceeded that of female students by 22.4%. In this study, male students should be given priority in prevention programs for internet addiction. These results were consistent with the results of studies conducted by Alavi et al .,[ 30 ] Orsal et al .,[ 46 ] and Fonia et al .,[ 27 ] whereas inconsistent with the results of studies performed by Atashpour et al .[ 47 ] and Shahbazirad and Mirderikvand.[ 48 ] Male students seem to have more internet addiction than girls. In fact, the present research, in line with the findings of previous studies, shows that men are more exposed to internet addiction, not because of biological differences between the two genders, but due to different social and environmental factors to which each gender is exposed. According to the results, it seems that this finding can be an alarm at the increase in this disorder among students, and it is better that proper planning be done in this area in cooperation with university officials.

Based on the results of the present study, the mean score of male students' mental health was higher than that of female students, and no significant difference was seen between gender and mental health. However, the finding of the present study was consistent with the results of studies conducted by Taji and Verdinejad,[ 49 ] Namdar et al .,[ 50 ] and Imani et al .[ 51 ] In studies done by Asadi et al .,[ 52 ] Gorgich et al .,[ 9 ] Fonia et al .,[ 27 ] and Xu and Liu,[ 23 ] it was expressed that female students had more mental disorders than male students, which was inconsistent with the results of the present study. It should be noted that the mean score of male students' mental health was higher than that of female students, possibly due to men's ability to communicate with others in the society and university, the ability to deal with problems and difficulties, and the ability to earn money, as well as women's excessive emotional dependency on their families and lack of social security in the society.

The results of this study revealed that half of the students had poor mental health, and there was a significant difference between the mean scores of depression and internet addiction. These results were consistent with the results of studies done by Nastizai,[ 28 ] Anderson et al .,[ 12 ] and Chung and Wong.[ 53 ] In a study done by Abdollahi on nursing students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, it was shown that 32.1% of students had suspected mental disorders, which was 29.7% in women and 34.3% in men.[ 54 ] In addition, Rafiei and Mosavipour showed that 67.9% of students at Arak University of Medical Sciences had symptoms of mental disorders, and only 32.1% of them had normal mental health.[ 55 ] Similarly, Masoudi et al . concluded that 52.4% of students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences were suffering from mental health disorders.[ 56 ] Similarly, in a study done by Yavarian et al . on students at Uromia University of Medical Sciences, it was demonstrated that 45.8% of students had different degrees of mental health disorders. In their study, it was also revealed that 10%, 0.5%, and 3.2% of students had severe disorders in terms of somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, and depression, respectively. This finding was concurrent with the results of the present study.[ 57 ] It seems that the different prevalence of psychiatric disorders in various studies can be attributed to several factors, including the differences in groups under study.

The results revealed that internet addiction and mental health were negatively related, which was consistent with the results of studies conducted by Shahbazirad and Mirderikvand,[ 48 ] Fallah Mehneh,[ 58 ] and Mousavomoghadam et al .[ 59 ] Hosseini et al . showed that 4.2% of students at Payam Noor University of Charm had severe addiction to the Internet. In addition, a significant relationship was observed between internet addiction and mental health.[ 60 ] Similarly, in a study performed by Farhadinia et al ., it was demonstrated that internet addiction and mental health significantly correlated among the students of Lorestan University of Medical Sciences,[ 43 ] which seems to lay the groundwork for the internet addicts. Some people resort to the Internet to reduce their depression. In this case, the Internet may provide a substitute for the joyless lives of depressed people, or they may get depressed as a result of internet addiction. In other words, the internet addicts will experience the negative consequences, such as depression.

In justifying the relationship between depression and internet addiction, it can be expressed that the excessive use of the Internet can lead to social isolation and depression through reducing familial, social, and local connection. Therefore, depression may occur as a result of internet addiction, and in this case, the internet addicts experience the resultant negative consequences, such as depression.[ 28 ]

The results revealed that the five major predictors of vulnerability to internet addiction in university students were as follows: the key reason for using the Internet, faculty, depression, the main place for using the Internet, and somatic symptoms.

Limitations of the study

Concerning the limitations, this study evaluated medical students in the classrooms based on different groups. The discussions among students could present bias in their feedback. There was no face-to-face interview session, and the data set reported on a self-reported questionnaire, which increases the risk of social desirability biases among medical students of medicine, dentistry, and pharmaceutical departments at self-governing Education Incubator of Kermanshah, Iran. The limitations of the current study specify that researchers can consider a large sample size based on medical students as well as other departments to execute their investigations in western part of Iran. Scholars can find experimental and longitudinal methods with larger samples to examine different results.

Conclusions

According to the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that students' excessive use of the Internet leads to depression, anxiety, and reduced mental health, thereby affecting their academic performance. Hence, it is suggested that further monitoring and control be exercised on how the Internet is used by university students, and they should be informed of the detrimental effects of this technology in the case of misuse or overuse. The findings of the present study are also indicative of the significance of preventative measures in the form of educational and counseling programs for students regarding the proper and practical use of the Internet. In addition, addressing the issues and problems relating to communication technologies, such as the Internet, can lay the groundwork for proper education and instigate parents' and families' further attention to proper and effective use of the Internet.

Financial support and sponsorship

Conflicts of interest.

There are no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgments

The authors hereby bestow their gratitude to the students in the for-profit Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Paramedics, Nursing and Midwifery, Paramedicine, Nutrition Sciences and Food Industries, Public Health and Self-Governing College in Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences for their participation in the present study.