Cyber Strain: Exploring Adverse Mental Health Effects of the Problematic Internet Usage Among University Students

Abstract

Social Networking Technologies have become an integral part of daily life, particularly among adolescents. However, the positive aspects have been overshadowed by negative ones. The recent studies indicate that university students, mainly during COVID-19, frequently utilize internet technologies excessively, leading to adverse effects on their mental health. Since there is little empirical research on this topic in rural Pakistan, so little is known about it. This study aims to determine association amid problematic internet use and mental health issues among students. Using a cross-sectional design, quantitative data were obtained by using self-administered questionnaire. Population of this study consisted of 367 students from three universities located in the southern in Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. The data was analysed inferential statistics. Results revealed a positive link between problematic internet usage and mental health issues, whereas this link was mediated by the meta-cognition and life-events. This was first research of its kind on mental health of the adolescents in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Its findings represent an important contribution to current body of knowledge. The individual, institutional and policy implications of the results are substantial.