Internet addiction and youth

Abstract

Background:Rapid expansion and use of the internet has provided better opportunities for communication, information and social interaction but the excessive undisciplined use by today’s youth has led to the emergence of the concept of internet addiction disorder. Psychological and environmental factors in the lives of college students may leave them vulnerable to Internet addiction disorder.

Aims:This study is done with the intent of assessing the prevalence of internet addiction disorder among students and to determine the association of prevalence with selected socio-demographic variables.

Material and Methods:In the present study a non-experimental descriptive research design was adopted. The sample size recruited for the study as participants were n= 214. The tool used to measure the prevalence was Young’s Internet Addiction Test.

Results: The findings of the study revealed that prevalence of internet addiction disorder among undergraduate students. Findings showed that prevalence of internet addiction disorder among undergraduate students was 151(70.6%) in which 85(39.8%) had mild internet addiction, 54(25.2%) had moderate internet addiction and 12(5.6%) had severe internet addiction disorder with obtained score range between 2-60 and median was 22 with mean score of 23.70 and SD=12.41. The association between Prevalence of internet addiction disorder among undergraduate students with selected demographic variables was computed by using chi-square test. Results showed that age and average time spent on sleep were statistically found significant association at p<0.05 level with prevalence of internet addiction disorder among undergraduate students.

Conclusion: The findings has confirmed the impulsive use of internet among youth, emergence of internet addiction and the current need for increased vigilance by the theteacher’s and parents.