Analysis of Internet Addiction Indicators among Students in the Department of Statistics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia

This study aims to investigate the signs of internet addiction among students in the Statistics Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MIPA), Universitas Negeri Makassar (UNM). The study employed a survey method with a questionnaire completed by 204 students from the Statistics Study Program at UNM. The questionnaire included 20 questions covering various indicators of internet addiction, such as loss of control, using the internet as an emotional escape, satisfaction with internet use, preoccupation, academic impact, and difficulty in controlling internet use. The results indicate that a significant proportion of the surveyed students exhibit signs of internet addiction. Many respondents reported difficulties in regulating their internet use time, a tendency to use the internet as an emotional escape, and a high level of satisfaction and emotional dependence on online activities. Additionally, some students experienced negative impacts on their academic performance, such as decreased focus, delayed task completion, and disrupted sleep patterns due to excessive internet use. The findings emphasize the need for preventive measures and appropriate interventions to help students in the Statistics Study Program, UNM, manage their internet use in a healthier and more productive manner, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of internet addiction on their academic and overall well-being. Recommendations for future research include longitudinal studies, analyses based on demographic characteristics, qualitative explorations, instrument development, and multidisciplinary collaborations to further understand and address this issue.