Internet addiction and its effects on psychological wellbeing: A community-based study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• The internet is integral to modern life, presenting both benefits and risks.
• Evidence links internet addiction to psychological distress.
• A gap exists in understanding rural vs. urban student internet use and mental health impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate internet usage patterns and psychological implications among urban and rural adolescents.
• To compare internet addiction and mental health scores between these groups.

Main Methods:

• 200 adolescents from urban and rural Varanasi were assessed.
• Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) were administered.
• Socio-demographic and internet usage data were collected via semi-structured proforma.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in internet usage (IAT scores) or psychological health (GHQ-12 scores) were found between urban and rural youth.
• A significant positive association was observed between overall internet use severity and poorer psychological health.
• Significant differences were noted in mean age and age of internet use onset between groups.
• Gender-wise differences in internet use patterns were highlighted, indicating a digital divide.

Conclusions:

• While urban and rural adolescents show similar internet use and mental health outcomes, increased usage correlates with negative psychological effects.
• Differences in age of onset and gender-based usage patterns warrant further investigation.
• Educating youth on healthy technology use is crucial given the clinical implications.