A Study on the Relationship of Internet Addiction and Depression in College students

Lee, Joon Ho; Lee, Chung Bok; Jun, Na Hyung; Jun, Nu Li; Jung, Won Jae; Lee, Hoo Yoen; Park, Eun Cheol; Hahm, Myung Il

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To investigate the relationship of internet addiction and depression, and evaluate other possible related factors.
METHODS
Data was based on the questionnaires from 300 college students in Seoul. Gender, age, major, family income, academic performance, people they live with, location, and main use of internet were included. We used Young`s Internet Addiction Test and Beck Depression Inventory(BDI) to measure the depression and addiction degree.
RESULTS
In logistic regression analysis, it was found that gender, depression degree and main use of internet were significant variables. There were 136 males, 144 females in this study, and the risk of being addicted to internet were 10.9 times(CI:2.67~44.68) higher in male than female. People with moderate depression (Beck`s Depression Inventory(BDI) Score>20) also had higher risk(11.4 times, CI:2.03~63.95) to be addicted in internet than normal group. Lastly, in case of internet use, people who use internet for games and chatting were 6.38(CI:1.38~29.63) and 4.84 times(CI:1.30~18.06) risky compare to the group with web surfing.
CONCLUSION
The result of this study suggests that there is noticeable relationship of internet addiction and depression. However we do not have evidence of exact relation between them, therefore more studies should be done.