The Relationship between Internet Addiction, Mental Health and Suicidal Behavior among Undergraduate Students in Malaysia

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between internet addiction, mental health and suicidal behavior among undergraduate students in Malaysia. Online survey method is used in this study. 150 undergraduate students were recruited through convenience sampling. There were three instruments used in this study which were The Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Mental Health Inventory-18 (MHI-18) and The Suicide Behavior Questionnaire Revised (SBQ-R). Descriptive analysis is conducted to determine the prevalence of university students with internet addiction. The results showed that undergraduate students with severe internet addiction was 5.3 %, while 51.3 % of the undergraduate student had moderate level of internet addiction, 28.7% of them had mild level of internet addiction and the rest were normal users of internet. Next, Pearson’s Correlation analysis showed that there is a low negative correlation between internet addiction and mental health (r_150 = -.27, p < 0.01). Furthermore, the Pearson’s Correlation analysis also showed that there is a weak positive correlation between internet addiction and suicidal behavior (r_150 = .23, p < 0.01). In conclusion, we can observe that internet addiction is significantly related to mental health and suicidal behavior. We need to take this issue more seriously as mental health is an important aspect in our life.
 
 Keywords: Internet addiction, Mental health, Suicidal behavior, Undergraduate students

Internet addiction of university students in the Covid-19 process

“…The study establishes a correlation between IA and an elevated risk of cyberbullying and victimization, highlighting the crucial requirement for cyber wellness education and support systems within academic institutions. Zulkifli and Mohamed (2023) [ 53 ] investigate the relationship between IA, mental health, and suicidal behavior among undergraduate students in Malaysia. Their findings show a significant association between IA and adverse mental health outcomes and highlight the urgent need for mental health services and interventions targeting IA.…”

Perspektif Teori Komunikasi Behaviorisme Oleh John Broadus Watson

“…Tantangan mendatang dalam konteks ini adalah pemahaman dan pengelolaan dampak positif dan negatif yang muncul dari perubahan ini. Sementara peningkatan interaksi sosial melalui digital media membawa manfaat seperti peningkatan konektivitas dan pertukaran budaya, juga dapat membawa tantangan terkait privasi, penyebaran informasi palsu, dan dampak psikologis (Zulkifli & Mohamed, 2023). Menjaga keseimbangan dan kualitas pengalaman digital masyarakat modern melibatkan upaya bersama dari berbagai pihak, termasuk penyedia platform, pembuat kebijakan, dan pengguna akhir, untuk menciptakan lingkungan yang aman, responsif, dan bermanfaat.…”