Impact of Internet Addiction on Induction of Violence and Mental Health among Suez Canal University Students

Background: Internet addiction (IA) is a growing mental health issue, especially among university students, leading to physical and psychological problems. It’s associated with aggressive behavior and cyberviolence. The aim of this work was to determine the prevalence of IA, assess the impact of IA on induction of violence, assess the impact of IA on the students’ mental health (depression, anxiety) and raise awareness among Suez Canal University students about the negative impacts of IA problem.Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 725 participants including undergraduate students from all grades of faculties of Suez Canal University. The enrolled participants were given five self-administered questionnaires translated into Arabic: Internet Addiction Test, Buss-Perry Aggression questionnaire, Revised Cyber Bullying Inventory–II questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder questionnaire.Results: IA was highly significantly associated with aggression (p<0.001), positive moderate correlation existed (r=0.5). IA was highly statistically significantly associated with cyberbullying and cybervictimization (p<0.001, for both), positive weak correlation existed (r=0.3 & 0.2, respectively). IA was highly statistically significantly associated with depression and anxiety (p<0.001, for both), positive moderate correlation existed. Conclusions: IA is a significant issue among Suez Canal University students, with 72% identified as addicts. Violence was also common, as 50.6% were extremely aggressive and 80.5% engaged in cyberbullying—39.3% as bullies, 41.2% as bully-victims, and 4.7% as victims. Mental health concerns were notable, with 85.6% experiencing depression and 70.3% experiencing anxiety at varying levels. IA showed a positive correlation with aggression, cyberbullying, and poor mental health.