A study on Internet addiction and its relation to psychopathology and self-esteem among college students

Abstract

Background:Internet use is one of the most important tools of our present-day society whose impact is felt on college students such as increased use of Internet. It brings change in mood, an inability to control the amount of time spent with the Internet, withdrawal symptoms when not engaged, a diminishing social life, and adverse work or academic consequences, and it also affects self-esteem of the students.Objective:The main objective of this study is to explore the Internet use and its relation to psychopathology and self-esteem among college students.Methodology:A total of 200 college students were selected from different colleges of Kolkata through random sampling. After selection of the sample, Young's Internet Addiction Scale, Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used to assess the Internet usage, psychopathology, and self-esteem of the college students.Results:Depression, anxiety, and interpersonal sensitivity were found to be correlated with Internet addiction. Along with that, low self-esteem has been found in students to be associated with possible users of Internet.Conclusion:Internet usage has been found to have a very strong impact on college students, especially in the areas of anxiety and depression, and at times it affected their social life and their relationship with their family.

Psychometric Properties of Three Simplified Chinese Online-Related Addictive Behavior Instruments Among Mainland Chinese Primary School Students

“…With the emergence of new technologies, internet accessibility and the availability via Wi-Fi enabled devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desk computers have become widespread. This technological advancement has eliminated geographical barriers between people by facilitating communication, business transactions, online games, online shopping, and other forms of entertainment (1). While there are many benefits associated with internet use (e.g., communication, information searching, and entertainment), use of such technology may lead to mental health challenges such as addiction, alexithymia, and suicide risk (2,3) for a small minority of individuals if not properly managed.…”

Can Adverse Childhood Experiences Heighten Risk for Problematic Internet and Smartphone Use? Findings from a College Sample

“…As scientific understanding of behavioral addictions evolves, addictions such as Internet gambling have been added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Although problematic Internet use (PIU) and PSU are not currently included in the DSM-5, research suggests a strong potential for compulsive use among younger populations, and there is mounting evidence suggesting that compulsive use is linked to psychological disorders [ 20 , 21 , 22 ], stress [ 23 , 24 ], sleep difficulties [ 25 ], and compromised academic performance [ 7 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. Among students internationally [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ], PIU and PSU prevalence are estimated to be between 10% and 44% and between 5% and 28%, respectively [ 34 , 35 , 36 ].…”

Internet Usage Habits and Experienced Levels of Psychopathology: A Pilot Study on Association with Spontaneous Eye Blinking Rate

“…The increasing availability of the internet has resulted in the increased prevalence of problematic internet use (PIU) observed in young adults [ 1 ]. Extensive internet use has previously been associated with higher prevalence of depressive, anxiety symptoms [ 2 , 3 ], higher impulsivity rates [ 4 ], and certain personality traits [ 5 ]. Nevertheless, there is no consensus on diagnostic criteria and related terminology, which makes early risk detection and intervention difficult and complicates synthesis of the research findings related to PIU [ 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”