Effects of Internet Addiction on the Psychological Health of University Students in Mardan

Abstract

Internet addiction can harm the psychological well-being of excessive internet users. It is important to study the correlation between the two scientifically. The study explores the link between internet addiction and psychological well-being among university students in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The sample consisted of 150 university students. A random sampling technique was used to select respondents. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 30 years. The instruments used were the Internet Addiction scale and the Ryff Psychological Well-Being Test. Pearson correlation and T-test were used to test the hypothesis/correlation between internet addiction, gender, and psychological well-being. A significant negative relationship between internet addiction and psychological well-being was found. Similarly, a significant gender difference in internet addiction and a non-significant gender difference in psychological well-being. Reduced internet use improves students' psychological well-being. Less internet use helps students' academic careers and reduces interpersonal conflicts.