Interplay Exploration of Problematic Internet Usage, Social Isolation and Attitudes: A Quantitative Study Among University Students In Malaysia

Internet overuse is a growing global concern, with addiction and social isolation becoming increasingly prevalent. This study aims to examine the problematic Internet usage and its link to social isolation among the students by assessing their attitudes towards Internet use, its purpose, social isolation, and Internet addiction. A quantitative approach utilizing a questionnaire survey was employed and 440 students from University Putra Malaysia was selected using a stratified random sampling method. The majority of participants (78.3%) fell within the younger age bracket of 18 to 23 years. The study sample predominantly comprised Malay (66.8%) and Muslim (68.9%) students. Chinese students constituted 25% of the sample, while Indians represented 3.9%. The largest religious minority were Buddhists (19.1%), followed by Christians (7.5%). 30% of respondents reported a monthly income between 2100 to 3000 Malaysian Ringgit. Significant associations were found between attitudes towards Internet use and both social isolation and Internet addiction. Similarly, statistically significant relationships were observed between the purpose of Internet use, social isolation, and Internet addiction. However, no significant correlations were found between age, income, Internet addiction, and social isolation. Additionally, ANOVA results indicated no significant mean differences between religion and Internet addiction, although a significant difference was noted for social isolation. This study provides valuable insights for educators, counselors, and policymakers to develop effective programs combating internet addiction among students. By understanding the link between internet use, attitudes, and social isolation, targeted interventions can be created to promote healthy online habits and student well-being. Keywords: Internet Addiction, Social isolation, Attitudes and Purpose of using Internet, Religion, Age and Income