Internet addiction's impact on bachelor students' social lives

Abstract

The internet, a vast global network of interconnected computers, has become an indispensable tool for information access and communication. This study examines the effects of internet addiction on the social lives of bachelor's level students in Nepalgunj. It explores students' attitudes toward interpersonal relationships and self-confidence in self-presentation. While the internet plays a crucial role in enhancing students' global awareness and knowledge, excessive dependence on it can undermine their self-assurance. Data for this study was collected through an online questionnaire distributed via platforms like Google Forms on social media. The findings reveal that 35% of students stay up late to complete college assignments, while 5% do so for family discussions. Additionally, 53% stay awake late primarily for internet browsing, with 7% citing other reasons for their nocturnal activities. The report concludes that excessive internet usage has a negative impact on students' self-assurance, interpersonal skills, and creativity. This dependence hinders social engagement and undermines their ability to participate in face-to-face interactions confidently. Furthermore, internet addiction limits students' creativity, fostering an overreliance on the internet for problem-solving.