Shriya Dixit
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The present study was conducted to understand the relationship between internet
addiction and anxiety in the Indian context, amid the ongoing pandemic. The impact of
socioeconomic status and locus of control on internet addiction, was also examined.
The study was conducted on a sample of 80 females (17-25 years). To measure
socioeconomic status, Modified Kuppuswamy Socioeconomic Scale (2018), was
used. Young’s Internet addiction Scale, Levenson’s Locus of Control Scale and Beck’s
Anxiety Inventory were used to measure internet addiction, locus of control and anxiety,
respectively. Independent sample t-test showed no significant difference between internet
addiction levels of low and high socioeconomic status females. Correlation analysis
did not reveal a significant correlation between internet addiction and anxiety for the
two socioeconomic groups, when considered separately. A significant correlation was
obtained between internet addiction and anxiety for the overall sample. Linear regression
analysis revealed that locus of control and socioeconomic status do not predict internet
addiction. These findings highlight the shift in the mindset of people who no longer
perceive excessive internet usage as addictive. The findings also reflect the importance
of policy changes needed to curb the anxiety associated with excessive internet usage
during the ongoing pandemic
.