The relationship between problematic internet use and the trait of mindfulness among first-year students

Introduction. Despite its benefits, the internet can lead to addiction – problematic internet use (PIU). PIU is linked to poor mental health, a higher risk of suicide, social and academic difficulties, and poor sleep quality. First-year students are particularly vulnerable due to stress, anxiety, loneliness due to changes in routine and living environment, and an underdeveloped sense of self-regulation. The trait of Mindfulness (MI) is a potential protective factor against PIU. However, the relationship between PIU and MI has not been sufficiently explored. The main objective of this study was to determine the relationship between problematic internet use and the trait of mindfulness among first-year students. Methods. The study included 200 first-year students, with 188 in the final analysis. PIU was measured using the NineItem Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ-9), and MI was assessed with the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Statistical analyses included Student’s t-test, ANOVA, Spearman’s, and Pearson’s correlations. Results. A significant moderate negative correlation was found between total PIU and MI (r = –0.41; p < 0.001). The PIU obsession subscale negatively correlated with MI facets description (ρ = –0.23; p = 0.002), acting with awareness (ρ = –0.36; p < 0.001), non-judging of experience (ρ = –0.29; p < 0.001), and non-reactivity (ρ = –0.18; p = 0.013), but not with observing (ρ = 0.07; p = 0.376). The neglect + impaired control subscale was negatively correlated with all MI facets. Conclusions. Higher levels of MI facets are associated with lower PIU risk. This suggests that mindfulness-based interventions could help reduce PIU among first-year students. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore causal links between PIU and MI.