Quantitative report on internet addiction and Loneliness

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Internet addiction and loneliness on college students
Internet addiction and its impact on loneliness, relationship forming, emotional well being
and social interaction
By
Madhu Mathi S
(22MPY016)
A mini quantitative project submitted to Sree Saraswathi Thayagaraja college, Pollachi
Submitted as assignment part for Research Methodology

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Table of contents
Chapter No: Content Page No
I Abstract 3
II Introduction
A. Explanation
B.Review of literature
C.Hypothesis
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IIII Method
A.Subject
B. Tools used
C. Procedure
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iV Results and discussion 13
V References 14

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Abstract
The study was conducted to explore a relationship between internet addiction and
Loneliness. The data was collected from College students on pollachi who were studying
on postgraduate with age range of 19 -23 on Sree Saraswathi Thayagaraja college. The
sample consist of both male and female as a total 30 participants were taken part in
experiment. The data collected by using Internet addiction test and UCLA Loneliness
Scale. The data was analysed using Excel and correlation value of 0.447 had finded . It
shows there was positive correlation between internet addiction and loneliness

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Loneliness and Internet Addiction: Exploring the Interplay in the Digital
Age
In recent years, the rapid growth of the internet and the widespread use of digital
technologies have revolutionized the way we communicate, socialize, and access
information. While these advancements have provided numerous benefits, they have also
brought forth new challenges and concerns. Two significant issues that have emerged
prominently are loneliness and internet addiction. This research paper aims to explore the
interplay between these two phenomena in the context of the digital age.
Loneliness in the Digital Age
Loneliness is a subjective experience characterized by a sense of social isolation and a
lack of meaningful connections with others. Despite the paradox of being digitally
connected, studies have highlighted an alarming rise in loneliness levels, particularly
among younger individuals. The digital age, with its emphasis on virtual interactions and
online communities, has altered the dynamics of social relationships, leading to potential
consequences for psychological well-being.
Internet Addiction: A Modern-Day Concern
Internet addiction refers to excessive or compulsive internet usage that interferes with
daily life and leads to negative consequences. The internet offers a wide array of

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activities and platforms, such as social media, online gaming, and streaming services,
which can be highly engaging and captivating. For some individuals, this can lead to an
unhealthy reliance on the internet, resulting in addictive behaviors and detrimental effects
on mental health and social functioning.
Loneliness and Internet Addiction: A Complex Relationship
While loneliness and internet addiction are distinct phenomena, there is growing evidence
to suggest a complex relationship between the two. On one hand, the internet can serve
as a refuge for individuals experiencing loneliness, providing a sense of virtual
connectedness and opportunities for social interaction. On the other hand, excessive
internet use and the replacement of offline interactions with online ones may perpetuate
feelings of loneliness and exacerbate social isolation.
Underlying Mechanisms and Contributing Factors
Several underlying mechanisms and contributing factors may help explain the link
between loneliness and internet addiction. Factors such as poor self-regulation,
emotional difficulties, low self-esteem, and social anxiety can increase the vulnerability to
both loneliness and excessive internet use. Moreover, the gratification derived from online
activities, the ease of accessing the internet, and the presence of social comparison
processes in online environments may reinforce the connection between loneliness and
internet addiction.

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Implications and Future Directions
Understanding the interplay between loneliness and internet addiction is crucial for the
development of effective interventions and policies. Addressing both loneliness and
internet addiction requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses individual,
societal, and technological factors. Promoting healthy online behaviors, fostering
meaningful offline connections, and enhancing digital literacy are among the potential
strategies to mitigate the negative consequences associated with the intertwining of
loneliness and internet addiction.
The relationship between internet addiction and loneliness is complex and
can be both a cause and a consequence:
Escapism: Some individuals turn to the internet as a means of escaping feelings of
loneliness or social anxiety. They may seek comfort, distraction, or social interaction
through online platforms. However, excessive internet use can further isolate individuals
from real-life social interactions and exacerbate their feelings of loneliness.
Social Comparison: Social media platforms often present a filtered and idealized version
of people's lives, leading to social comparison and feelings of inadequacy. Seeing others
seemingly happy and socially connected online can intensify feelings of loneliness and
alienation in individuals who perceive themselves as lacking similar experiences or
relationships.

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Reduced Social Skills: Excessive internet use can hinder the development of social skills
necessary for building and maintaining relationships. Spending excessive time online
may reduce opportunities for face-to-face interactions, making it harder for individuals to
establish meaningful connections in real life, thereby perpetuating feelings of loneliness.
Loss of Time: Internet addiction can consume significant amounts of time that could be
spent on offline social activities or building relationships. This prioritization of online
engagement over real-life interactions can contribute to a sense of loneliness and social
disconnection.

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Review of literature
Literature related to the present study has been discussed as follows to give an
understanding of the findings that have been made.
Internet addiction and loneliness among children and adolescents in the education
setting: An empirical pilot study
A total of 131 Portuguese school children and adolescents participated in this study.
Results indicated a relatively high incidence of IA in the sample (13%). Additionally, the
correlational analyses revealed associations between IA and loneliness, social loneliness,
and other variables related to the educational context. Results demonstrated that IA
could be predicted using a model encompassing three variables ( ie, weekly Internet
usage, loneliness, and classroom behaviour ). Overall, the present findings corroborated
results from other studies and added to the behavioural addiction literature by examining
a younger cohort than previous empirical studies.
Relation between depression, loneliness, self-esteem and internet addiction
The research is conducted according to the cross-sectional model as one of the survey
models. The sample of the research is comprised of 292 students who continue their
education in the first term of 2009-2010 academic year in Trabzon. Internet addiction,
Beck depression, UCLA loneliness and Rosenberg self-esteem scale have been used as
data collection tool in the research.
In consequence of the research a positive, mid-level and significant relation with internet
addiction has come out when depression, loneliness and self-esteem variables are
considered together. These variables explain 14 % of internet addiction's total variance.

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Loneliness, social contacts and Internet addiction: A cross-lagged panel study
This study aims to examine the causal priority in the observed empirical relationships
between Internet addiction and other psychological problems. A cross-lagged panel
survey of 361 college students in Hong Kong was conducted. Results show that
excessive and unhealthy Internet use would increase feelings of loneliness over time.
Although depression had a moderate and positive bivariate relationship with Internet
addiction at each time point, such a relationship was not significant in the cross-lagged
analyses. This study also found that online social contacts with friends and family were
not an effective alternative for offline social interactions in reducing feelings of loneliness.
Furthermore, while an increase in face-to-face contacts could help to reduce symptoms
of Internet addiction, this effect may be neutralized by the increase in online social
contacts as a result of excessive Internet use. Taken as a whole, findings from the study
show a worrisome vicious cycle between loneliness and Internet addiction.
Facebook addiction and loneliness in the post-graduate students of a university in
southern India
A cross-sectional study was done to evaluate 100 post-graduate students of Yenepoya
University using Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS) and University of California and
Los Angeles (UCLA) loneliness scale version 3. Descriptive statistics were applied.
Pearson’ s bivariate correlation was done to see the relationship between severity of
Facebook addiction and the experience of loneliness.
More than one-fourth (26%) of the study participants had Facebook addiction and 33%
had a possibility of Facebook addiction. There was a significant positive correlation
between severity of Facebook addiction and extent of experience of loneliness (r = .
239, p = .017).

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Relationship between the levels of loneliness and internet addiction
The purpose of this study is to reveal the relationship between the levels of loneliness and
internet addiction in teacher candidates. The research group of this study is formed with
347 teacher candidates who were attending Pedagogical Formation Program at Ankara
University and Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. In the study, two different data collection
tools were used. One of them was “ UCLA Loneliness Scale” and the other one is
“ Internet Addiction Scale” . The opinions of the teacher candidates about loneliness
and internet addiction did not differ according to the variables of gender, marital status,
employment, accessibility to the internet at home and online time spent daily except for
studying. However, there is a positive relationship in medium level between the loneliness
and internet addiction levels of teacher candidates.

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1
Hypotheses
The following hypotheses are being verified by the present study, constructed
based on the review of literature
There is no relationship between Internet addiction and loneliness

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2
Method
Subject
The study was carried out among college students in pollachi
The reason for choosing this area for study were easy accessibility , willingness and
co-operation to participate in research.
30 sample are taken from Sree Saraswathi Thayagaraja college based on purposive
sampling
They were 19-23 years old , both male and female take part in this study.
Tools used in this study
Internet addiction Test (IAT): It is used to measure the internet addiction level seen on
students
UCLA Loneliness Scale : It was used to measure level of loneliness seen on students
Procedure:
The research topic was well explored, and the objectives and hypotheses were framed.
The willingness of research participants are enquired and basic details are collected.
The questionaire of IAT and UCLA Loneliness Scale has circulated through Google forms.
The data get collected and analysed using Excel . The score were calculated and
interpretation drawn by using Scoring key and manual. The results were analysed and
hypothesis verified

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Results and discussion:
The data was analysed using Excel. The data get feeded and correlation between values
were drawn
The results of present study were tabulated as follow
Table 1:
Variable Mean score (N=30) Correlation value
Internet Addiction 38 r=0.447
Loneliness 25
The mean value of internet addiction was 38 and loneliness was 25. The correlation value
between Internet addiction and Loneliness are 0.447. It shows positive correlation.
The null hypothesis was rejected and alternative hypothesis was accepted. This shows
that there is positive relationship between internet addiction and loneliness.
Conclusion:
On college students, the internet addiction had positive relationship with loneliness and
social interaction of students.

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References;
Ayas, T., & Horzum, M. (2013). Relation between depression,
loneliness, self-esteem and internet addiction. Education, 133(3), 283-290.
Oguz, E., & Cakir, O. (2014). Relationship between the levels of
loneliness and internet addiction. The Anthropologist, 18(1), 183-189.
Pontes, H. M., Griffiths, M. D., & Patrão, I. M. (2014). Internet addiction and
loneliness among children and adolescents in the education setting: An
empirical pilot study. Aloma: Revista de Psicologia, Ciències de l'Educació i
de l'Esport, 32(1).
Shettar, M., Karkal, R., Kakunje, A., Mendonsa, R. D., & Chandran, V. M.
(2017). Facebook addiction and loneliness in the post-graduate students of
a university in southern India. International Journal of Social Psychiatry,
63(4), 325-329.
Yao, M. Z., & Zhong, Z. J. (2014). Loneliness, social contacts and
Internet addiction: A cross-lagged panel study. Computers in Human
Behavior, 30, 164-170.

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