Investigation of the relationship of internet addiction with loneliness and depression among Sakarya University Faculty of medicine students

AIM: The rapid advancement and diffusion of technology has increased people's interaction with technology. Internet is an important part of this interaction. Intensive use of the internet leads to internet addiction, especially among university students. The effects of internet addiction include loneliness and depression. This study aims to examine the relationship between internet addiction and loneliness and depression among Sakarya University Faculty of Medicine students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was designed as a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. The relationship between internet addiction, loneliness and depression in the sample group was examined. Personal Data Form, Internet Addiction Scale, Beck Depression Scale and UCLA Loneliness Scale were used for data collection. The research results were analyzed and evaluated according to certain criteria. RESULTS: Participants consisted of 350 students, 190 (54%) female and 160 (46%) male. Internet addiction increased in direct proportion to age and grade level. Depression symptoms were inversely proportional to age and directly proportional to grade level. When the data related to loneliness were analyzed, it was found that loneliness differed significantly according to gender. CONCLUSION: The study shows that the level of internet addiction and depression increases with increasing age. It was observed that internet addiction increased as the grades progressed, but depression symptoms decreased. The study reveals that internet addiction has a significant impact on students' psychological health and that there is a strong relationship between loneliness and depression. Therefore, it is important to develop strategies to cope with internet addiction and encourage individualized approaches. Keywords: Depression, Loneliness, Internet Addiction Disorder, Medical Students