The Prevalence of Internet Addiction among the Students of Payam Noor University, Semnan Province

Abstract

Introduction: Internet addiction in the sense of problematic Internet or compulsive Internet use causes mental, social and occupational problems. Thus, surveying the prevalence of this disorder can promote preventive measures and appropriate solutions to its diffusion.Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, the statistical population consists of all Payam Noor University students in Semnan Province. Of this population (15000 students), 597 students, using Krejcie and Morgan sample determining table, were selected based on the stratified random sampling. The Young’s questionnaire, Internet Addiction Test (IAT), which has been proved to be both reliable and valid, was administrated to collect the required data. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Chi-square Distribution) were used for data analysis, using SPSS V.19 software.Results: The findings revealed that 23.8% of the students had moderate internet addiction and 1.8% had severe internet addiction. There was no difference between male and female students, regarding this addiction.Conclusion: Internet addiction is prevalent among students and so there is a need for remedial and preventive interventions.