Factors leading to Internet addiction in 700 chat users visiting South Indian Chat rooms

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Internet addiction has become a major public health problem in the world. Researchers have formulated diagnostic criteria for Internet addiction, but it is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

PURPOSE

This study aims to find the factors leading to Internet addiction in south Indian chat rooms which has increased during the period of COVID-19 pandemic

METHODS

It is a cross-sectional study done in South Indian Chat rooms. Chat users between the ages of 18 and 60, who agree to participate were included. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data. Data were analyzed and expressed as a proportion. Chi-square was used to find out the association. P value was also calculated.

IMPORTANT FINDINGS

Of the 216 participants who had internet addiction 63.9% of the participants quoted individual factors as a factor 62% of the participants said they liked online gaming in chat room 31% of the chat room users added cyber relationships as a factor. About 7.4% of the chat room users said they frequented chat rooms as they did not have a steady job and 2.3% of the chat room users said they came to chat rooms looking for cyber sex

CONCLUSION

Internet addiction has become a menace in recent times. The factors leading to such addictions should be curbed. Stringent rules must be imparted to combat such factors.