Digital addiction and emotional exhaustion as mediators between problematic internet use and mental well-being in university students

The increasing reliance on digital technology has raised concerns about its impact on mental health and well-being, particularly among university students. Problematic internet use, digital addiction, and emotional exhaustion have emerged as key factors influencing students' psychological well-being. Despite established associations between excessive internet use and addictive behaviors, the mechanisms through which it influences mental health remain insufficiently elucidated. This study investigated the relationship between problematic internet use and mental well-being, with a focus on whether digital addiction and emotional exhaustion mediate this relationship. A cross-sectional survey design was used, involving 815 students from three tertiary institutions in Ghana. Standardized and validated scales were used to measure mental well-being, emotional exhaustion, digital addiction, and problematic internet use. Statistical analyses, including correlation and confirmatory factor analyses were used to determine the correlations, reliability and validity of the scales. Structural equation modelling was employed to ascertain the direct and mediation effects on mental well-being. One out of every three students (35%) reported problematic internet use. Bivariate results showed that mental well-being was negatively correlated with emotional exhaustion (-0.25, p < 0.001), digital addiction (-0.21, p < 0.001), and problematic internet use (-0.36, p < 0.001). Mediation results showed emotional exhaustion as a significant mediator (β = -0.07, p < 0.001), while digital addiction did not significantly mediate the relationship (β = -0.04, p = 0.094), suggesting that internet overuse primarily becomes harmful when it leads to stress and exhaustion rather than addiction itself. These findings reveal that problematic internet use harms mental well-being through emotional exhaustion, underscoring the need for joint action by university management and mental health/counselling units to enhance awareness campaigns focused on addressing problematic internet use among students.