Internet addiction and depression in university students

Abstract

Internet addiction is defined as a condition characterized by compulsive and excessive use of the Internet that interferes with the individual's daily life, on the other hand, depression is a mental disorder that is defined by the persistent state of sad mood and loss of interest. The present study aims to determine the relationship between internet addiction (AI) and depression in a sample of 152 university students aged 18 to 30 belonging to a university in Ambato. A quantitative approach was used, with a design non-experimental, correlational type. The Internet Addiction Test and the Beck Depression Inventory (short version) were used. The results showed a moderate positive correlation between the variables, indicating that higher the level of Internet addiction correspond to greater presence of depressive symptoms. In addition, it was found that 49.3% of the young university students presented a normal level of IA, while that 20.4% had a moderate level. Regarding depression, 28.3% of the population showed moderate depression and 21.1% mild depression. Relevant differences were also found in IA levels, with men presenting higher scores compared to women.