Suman Roy, Chiranjit Mandal, Manikanta Paria, and Muktipada Sinha
Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal
Pages:244-251
This study investigates the complex correlation between internet addiction and
psychological stress among higher education students in different districts of West
Bengal. The research utilizes a cross-sectional survey approach conducted in seven
universities. Data for the study were gathered using the Perceived Stress Scale and
the Internet Addiction Test. Students living in both rural and urban locations made up
the sample. A total of 304 higher education (undergraduate) students were randomly
selected to participate in the study. The inquiry uncovers a substantial frequency of
light internet addiction among the majority of students, with a notable item struggling
with more severe manifestations. Students from rural locations exhibited significantly
greater levels of mental stress, primarily of a mild level of stress, in comparison to their
urban counterparts. The study reveals a slight disparity between genders in terms of
internet addiction and mental stress levels while emphasizing the substantial influence
of the living environment on these aspects. There is a significant correlation between
internet addiction and mental stress, indicating that spending more time online is linked
to higher levels of psychological suffering. These findings emphasize the necessity of
implementing focused interventions targeting students’ socioeconomic and geographical
circumstances. The goal is to reduce the negative consequences of internet addiction
and enhance their mental well-being