Internet Addiction Among Adolescents of Barishal City, Bangladesh: A Comparison Study Between Pre-COVID and Post-COVID Period

Adolescents rely on the internet for various purposes, including education, communication, entertainment, and social engagement. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified internet reliance due to the shift to online learning, social distancing, and limited access to offline activities. Excessive internet use can lead to internet addiction, causing emotional and psychological problems such as depression, loneliness, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and physical health issues, which are a growing concern. In our study, we investigated internet addiction among the adolescents of Barishal City, Bangladesh, based on a comparative approach through studies conducted before and after COVID-19. We approached 108 students across all grades 7-12 in 2019 and 2023 by following the Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT) protocols to study changes in internet use and addiction levels. Using cross-sectional research design and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, we found a significant increase in daily internet use, social media use, and online dependency post-COVID-19. The results showed increased internet addiction and deteriorating academic performance and daily routines. Such findings indicate that targeted interventions are needed to prevent the negative consequences of excessive internet use on the mental health and well-being of adolescents. Promoting balanced internet use, encouraging offline hobbies, and providing resources for effective time management are essential steps in addressing this growing concern.