Evaluation of the relationship of internet addiction and depression in adolescents

Introduction and Objective: In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between 10-18 age group adolescents' Internet usage characteristics, addiction levels, depression, and some sociodemographic characteristics. Material and Method: This prospective study was conducted with 300 adolescents aged 10-18 who applied to Dicle University Faculty of Medicine Child Adolescent Polyclinic between 15.10.2020-31.11.2020, who accepted to participate in the study on a voluntary basis. Young's Internet Addiction Scale, Sociodemographic Data Form, Childhood Depression Scale were used in our study. Results: When the gender of the participants was evaluated, 62.3% were male and 37.7% were female. The mean age (± S.D) of the participants was 15.02 ± 1.74 (median: 15, min-max: 10-18). When their educational status was evaluated, 21% were secondary school students and 79% high school students. Most of the participants were living with their families (95%). When evaluated according to family income, 38.7% of them had a minimum wage, and below, 61.3% of them had minimum wage. While 97% of the participants were using the internet, 3% were not using the internet. The median score for Internet addiction of the participants was 36 (2-91), and the median score for depression was 27 (2-54). Participants using the internet are divided into 3 groups (Normal internet user, Risky internet user, Dependent internet user). Of the participants, 227 (75.6%) were normal internet users, 54 (18%) were risky internet users, 10 (3.4%) were internet addicts. Conclusion: In our study, no difference was found between the groups in terms of depression in risky internet users, addicted internet users, and normal internet users. However, a positive and statistically low-moderate significant correlation was found between internet addiction score and depression score. In conclusion, although it could not be concluded in our study that internet addicts cause depression, it was found that as the internet addiction score increased, the depression score increased.