Relationship of pathologic internet use with social phobia and depression among medical students

Objective: In this study, it has been aimed to investigate the prevalence of Pathologic Internet Use (PIA) and its relationship with social phobia and depression among medical students.

Methods: The sample of the study consists of 437 students attending medical faculty in the academic year 2013-2014. Participants were assessed with socio-demographic form, Young Internet Addiction Scale (YIAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Liebowitz Social Phobia Scale (LSPS). Acquired data was analyzed by using chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, one-way ANOVA test, Kruskal Wallis test and Spearman’s correlation analysis.

Results: None of all the participants was found to be a pathologic internet user; however, the risky internet use (RIU) ratio was found to be 5%. There was no significant difference between genders in terms of RIU. Internet usage time per day, Beck Depression Inventory scores and Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale scores were significantly higher in the RIU group compared to the non-RIU. It has been found that students use the internet most commonly for following social media, listening to music/watching videos and chatting. Males use internet for online gaming more than females while females chat and prepare homework more. No significant correlation was found between YIAS scores and smoking, alcohol use or accommodation situation.

Conclusion: Problematic internet use is a common problem among college students. In our study PIA and risky internet use rates were found lower among students of a medical faculty. Risky internet use is related to symptoms of depression and social phobia. Variables related to internet addiction and comorbid psychiatric disorders must be identified in order to define, prevent and treat problematic internet use.