Relationship between Emotional Intelligence, Internet Addiction, and Sociodemographic Factors among University Students: A Cross-sectional Study

Background The Internet has impacted society, enhancing accessibility but also fostering dependency, particularly among youth struggling with emotional regulation, leading to Internet Addiction (IA). University students navigating a transitional phase often lack effective emotional regulation skills, increasing susceptibility to academic and social pressures that contribute to this addiction. Objectives This study investigates the intricate relationships between Emotional Intelligence (EI), IA, and sociodemographic factors. Material and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 students aged 18–25 from 32 Bangladeshi universities from July 26 th , 2024, to October 10 th , 2024. The research utilized a Personal Information Form, Bengali versions of the EI Scale, and the IA Test. Results Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant ( P < 0.001), moderate inverse correlation (r = −0.463) between EI and IA, indicating higher EI scores correlated with lower IA scores. Regression analysis showed IA negatively predicted EI (Beta = −0.397). Females had higher average EI scores than males, while males had higher average IA scores than females. Age, gender, educational qualification, socioeconomic status, number of family members, residential division, and area did not demonstrate significant associations with the observed variations in IA and EI levels among the student sample. Conclusion Future longitudinal studies should explore links between EI and IA to better understand the development of IA over time in relation to EI. Furthermore, interventions to enhance EI, focusing on emotional regulation skills, coping strategies, and interpersonal relationships, could effectively reduce IA and promote healthier internet habits.