A study to assess the level of internet addiction and its impact among adolescents studying high schools, Mangaluru

Author Name: Syed Suhail Nabi1 and Mrs. Vijetha Kotrari2

Volume: 02/02

Country: India

DOI NO.: 11.2023-61555522 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/09.2024-27425274/GIJNR

Affiliation:

1. Msc.Nursing student, Department of Child Health nursing, Masood College of Nursing,
   Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India
2. Professor M.Sc. Nursing. Department of Child Health Nursing, Masood College of Nursing
   Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India

ABSTRACT

The internet has both positive and negative aspects. If the user overcomes the negative aspects, internet is a boon. Excessive uncontrolled use of internet may lead to internet addiction. Methods and Material: A descriptive research approach was used to assess the level of internet addiction and its impact on adolescents aged 12-16 from two selected English medium high schools in Mangalore. A sample of 200 students was selected using multistage random sampling, and data were collected through a demographic proforma, a modified Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and a structured questionnaire evaluating the impact on academic performance, family relations, and social effects. Results: The study found that 70.5% of adolescents were normal internet users, 23% had mild addiction, 6% had moderate addiction, and 0.5% had severe addiction. The majority (73%) experienced a mild impact, 16.5% had a moderate impact, and 10.5% reported no impact due to internet addiction. There was a positive correlation between the level of internet addiction and its impact, with r=0.678 and P=0.000. Conclusion: The study concluded that the majority of high school students were normal internet users with a mild impact from internet use. Significant associations were found between internet addiction and variables such as age, class, and father’s occupation, while no significant links were noted with other demographic factors. A positive correlation was observed between the level of internet addiction and its impact on students.

Key words: Internet addiction, adolescents, high school students