The Relationship between Internet Addiction and Loneliness among Medical Sciences Students

Introduction: In the digital world, the use of the internet for all aspects of life has increased dramatically, and in some cases has led to obsessive use or internet addiction. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between internet addiction (IA) and loneliness in medical science students. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 400 students from Zabol University of Medical Sciences were selected via stratified random sampling in 2024. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire, including demographic information, the Dehshiri Feelings of Loneliness Questionnaire, and Young's Internet Addiction Test. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 27 software and included independent-samples ttests, chi-square tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and linear regression analyses at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The mean age of students was 22.09 ± 1.40 years, and 217 (54.25%) were female, 307 (76.25%) held a Bachelor's degree, and 311 (77.75%) were single. Additionally, 209 (52.25%) had non-native admission, 209 (52.25%) lived in dormitories, and 177 (44.30%) were enrolled in the nursing faculty. The mean scores of IA, feeling lonely, family relationship loneliness, friend loneliness, and emotional loneliness were 53.36 ± 14.17, 116.88 ± 16.98, 50.06 ± 8.05, 40.50 ± 8.75, and 26.32 ± 6.92, respectively. A total of 156 (39%) did not report IA, while 2 (0.5%) indicated that they were addicted. Additionally, 242 (60.5%) reported being exposed to IA. The IA score was significantly higher in males (p= 0.001) and paramedic students (p= 0.001). The feeling lonely score was significantly higher in native admission students (p= 0.017) and those who lived in a dormitory (p= 0.013). A positive linear correlation was found between IA and family relationship loneliness (r= 0.168, p= 0.001), emotional loneliness (r= 0.469, p< 0.0001), and feeling lonely (r= 0.273, p< 0.0001). Discussion: In 2024, 60.5% of participants were at risk of IA, and 0.5% reported IA. A weak positive linear correlation was observed between IA and feelings of loneliness, while a moderate positive correlation was found between IA and emotional loneliness. Conclusion: Given the relationship between IA and loneliness, particularly as it is strongly mediated by the dimension of emotional loneliness among medical students, it is vital to implement multifaceted prevention interventions. These programs should educate students on healthy digital habits and coping mechanisms that do not rely on online activities. Additionally, early identification and support for at-risk students are essential to prevent the escalation of problematic internet use.