Relationship of loneliness with internet addiction in students from medical colleges of central India: An observational study

Abstract

Introduction: Internet addiction disorder has gained increasing recognition in the last two decades, especially in the young and adolescent population. With internet accessible easily on their fingertips through the means of mobile phones, the prevalence and severity of internet use has also expanded. However, depression and loneliness have been studied as perpetuating factors in the excessive use of internet. This study aims at assessing the relationship between loneliness and internet use amongst medical students in India. Methodology: A randomized sample of 454 medical students was evaluated for presence and severity of loneliness, depression as well as internet and mobile phone use, with the help of appropriate and validated assessment tools. The collected data was analyzed for any significant correlations. Results: Loneliness, depression and use of mobile phones and internet in both settings was found to be equivocal, irrespective of the socio-demographic background. Loneliness correlated significantly (p <0.05) and positively with the students’ age, relationship status, BDI score (depression) and IAT score (internet addiction). Conclusion: The study demonstrates a strong positive correlation between loneliness, relationship status, depression and the excessive use of mobile phones and internet, in medical students from both urban and rural areas.