Internet Use Patterns, Internet Addiction, and Psychological Distress Among Engineering University Students: A Study from India

Abstract

Background: Internet addiction (IA) among university engineering students and its association with psychological distress can impact their educational progress, academic competence, and long-term career goals. Thus, there is a need to investigate the IA among engineering students. Objectives: This study was a first such attempt to explore internet use behaviors, IA, among a large group of engineering students from India, and its association with psychological distress primarily depressive symptoms. Methods: One thousand eighty six engineering students aged 18–21 years pursuing bachelors in engineering from the south Indian city of Mangalore participated in the study. The socio-educational and internet use behaviors data sheet was used to gather demographic information and patterns of internet use, Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was utilized to assess IA, and Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20) assessed psychological distress primarily depressive symptoms. Results: Among the total N = 1086, 27.1% of engineering students met criterion for mild addictive internet use, 9.7% for moderate addictive internet use, and 0.4% for severe addiction to internet. IA was higher among engineering students who were male, staying in rented accommodations, accessed internet several times a day, spent more than 3 h per day on internet, and had psychological distress. Gender, duration of use, time spent per day, frequency of internet use, and psychological distress (depressive symptoms) predicted IA. Conclusions: A substantial proportion of engineering students have IA which can be detrimental for their educational progress in university studies and long-term career goals. Early identification and management of IA and psychological distress among engineering students is crucial.

Relationship between internet addiction and mental health in adolescents

“…In addition, we found that IA increased with age. This is consistent with other studies that revealed usages from internet in younger age related to higher IA,[ 30 ] although they are inconsistent with some other findings. [ 31 32 ] Some study reported more IA in lower age groups.…”

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

“…However, with poor self-control, it may become an addictive behavior and may subsequently lead to serious and negative psychosocial effects (e.g., preoccupation and cognitive distortions, worsening social behaviors, and unpleasant feelings or physical discomfort) (6). In addition, there are significant associations between internet-related addiction and poor mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, and stress) (7)(8)(9). It has further been reported that in China (where the present study was carried out) there is a pooled internet addiction prevalence rate of 7.5% among Chinese adolescents (10) and approximately 11% among college students (11).…”

Internet addiction: Prevalence and Effect on health profile of engineering students in Bengaluru city

“…The amount of time an individual spends on internet is a crucial factor which increases risk of internet addiction. The research evidence from many studies consistently suggests that the severity levels of IA increase with increasing duration of internet use [2,5] In the present study we noted that use of internet for more than 180 minutes (> 3 hrs) per day and spending more than 200 rupees per month for internet were all associated with internet addiction which is similar to the findings of Thakur A et al who also observed those who spent > 4 hrs/day and spent more money (> 500 Rs/day) for internet usage were found to have a significant association with internet addiction [2] . Limitation of the study: The study lacks the generalizability as it is done in one engineering college in the city.…”

“…It is known by different terms such as pathological internet use, problematic internet use, compulsive internet use and internet overuse in the literature [4] . Internet addiction can be described as an individual's inability to control his or her own use of internet causing disturbances and impairment in fulfilment of work, social, and personal commitments [5] . Since 1995, different opinions have been put forward as to whether problematic internet use should be considered as a psychiatric disorder or a mental illness similar to other well established addictive disorders [6] .…”

“…Transition in the academic life after joining engineering course sets challenges like solve everyday challenges of staying away from home, study well, form new interpersonal relationships, and gather social and emotional support. Vulnerable individuals can experience boredom, loneliness, and depressive symptoms during this phase of transition and this may indirectly lead to students overusing the internet [5] . Along with that favouring factors such as easy and limitless access to internet, internet dependent courses, communication with peers and mentors through assignments and projects might attribute to the problem [2] .…”