Article: RECOGNIZING THE CONSEQUENCES OF PROBLEMATIC INTERNET USES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH PHYSICAL INACTIVITY: A PILOT STUDY

Article Category: Original Research articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.16283

Pages: 259-263

Author: Sharda Ahake *, Saleha Zainab, Umesh Shukla, Charu Bansal

Abstract: Over the past ten years, internet usage has increased dramatically both in India and globally. Students are particularly vulnerable to internet addiction as faster and less expensive internet becomes more widely available. It is crucial to assess problematic internet usage (PIU) and its correlation with undergraduate students' mental health and physical inactivity because it can impede vital activities like pursuing formal education, amusement, and commerce. Aim and Objectives: To assess the prevalence of PIU and to examine its relationship with psychological well-being and physical inactivity among college students in Bhopal city. Materials and Methods: This study was a pilot study among 50 college students and used prestabilized modified structured questionnaires to collect data on sociodemographics, problematic internet uses, psychological distress, and physical activity. Data were collected using the short version of Young's Internet Addiction Test (YIAT), GHQ12, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: The mean age of the students was 21.5 years. The prevalence of PIU was 32% (Cronbach’s Alpha=.861)and 72% of students were minimal to mildly distressed, and 28% were moderately distressed (Cronbach’s alpha = .701). majority of students (86%) were physically inactive, PIU was positively associated with psychological distress (r = 0.336, p = 0.017), and a negative significant correlation was found between internet addiction and physical activity (r = -0.016, p-value = 0.911). Conclusions: PIU was widespread among college students, and a high percentage of students reported minimal to mild psychological distress and physical activity, emphasizing the need to raise awareness about its harmful impacts on psychological well-being and physical activity.

Keyword: Internet addiction, mental health, physical inactivity.