Page No :453-464
Eulalia Fernandes
St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa-Goa
This study investigates how college students’ psychological well-being and internet
addiction are related. As internet becomes more integrated into daily life, its effects on
mental health, particularly in students, have sparked growing concern. In this research,
120 college students were surveyed using validated tools to measure both internet
addiction and psychological well-being. The degree of internet addiction and multiple
elements of psychological well-being, namely life purpose, environmental mastery,
autonomy, positive relationships, self-acceptance, or personal development, were
evaluated using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and Psychological Well-Being Scale
(PWBS). The results revealed a significant negative correlation: higher levels of internet
addiction were linked to lower overall psychological well-being. Notably, self-acceptance
and environmental mastery showed the strongest connections to internet addiction.
The research also found gender differences in both internet use and psychological
well-being. These findings underscore potential psychological risks associated with
excessive internet use among college students. They add to growing body of investigation
on digital behaviour and mental health, highlighting the urgent need to address internet
addiction within academic settings to protect students’ well-being.