Author(s)
Dr. Masaud Ansari, Touseef Malik, Dr. Subooh Yusuf, Dr. Kanchan Dixit
- Manuscript ID: 120440
- Volume 2, Issue 8, Aug 2026
- Pages: 483–494
Subject Area: Other
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22186812Abstract
This study examined the relationship between internet addiction and depression among male and female students, revealing mild depression and moderate addiction levels overall. Correlational and t-test analyses assessed links between depression and Young’s Internet Addiction Test dimensions (Time/Control, Social/Emotional, Excitatory/Compensatory, Adverse Outcomes), plus gender differences. Key Results; weak positive correlations emerged (males: r=0.106-0.239; females: r=0.063-0.337*, significant for Time/Control and Adverse Outcomes at p=0.05), rejecting no-relationship hypotheses. Males showed higher addiction (t=2.75, p=0.01) but similar depression to females (t=1.26, p=0.20), partially supporting low severity claims. Findings indicate a bidirectional addiction-depression cycle, with gender-specific risks (male addiction proneness, female control vulnerabilities), aligning with prior work by Young (1998) and Hendrick (2010). Gender-tailored screenings and digital wellness programs are recommended for Indian college settings.