Internet Addiction-A Medical Student’s Perspective

Authors

  • Supraja Nagarathinam
  • Arun R
  • Aishwarya P.M
  • Abirami Dharmalingam
  • Sarath Kumar U
  • Ramya Anilkumar
  • Thenaruvi Natarajan
  • Sangeetha R

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53555/ejac.v20i2.1184

Abstract

Internet addiction, also known as problematic internet use or pathological internet use, which is generally defined as problematic, compulsive use of the internet, that results in significant impairment in an individual's function in various life domains over a prolonged period of time. With online classes being the latest in medical education, students have more internet exposure when compared to their peers. After the inception of the World Wide Web, Internet addiction has developed into a global issue influencing varying segments of the population at different levels1. Despite the wide range of benefits that the Internet provides us, there comes the issue of Internet addiction, also known as problematic internet use or pathological internet use, which is generally defined as problematic, compulsive use of the internet, that results in significant impairment in an individual's function in various life domains over a prolonged period of time. This article highlights the negative impact that internet addiction has on medical students affecting their sleep quality, academic performance and interpersonal relationships. Knowing these issues helps policy makers and educational institutions to implement mental health and educational organizations would design programs that focus on educating medical students to improve skills in building behavior plans and enhance their attempts in preventing development of internet addiction during their study period.

Author Biographies

  • Supraja Nagarathinam

    Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sri Lalithambigai Medical College and Hospital, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai 600095, Tamilnadu, India.

  • Arun R

    Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Vinayaka Mission Medical College and Hospital, Karaikal, VMRF Deemed University, India.

  • Aishwarya P.M

    Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, BIHER, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.

  • Abirami Dharmalingam

    Senior Resident, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.

  • Sarath Kumar U

    Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Annaii Medical College and Hospital, Pennalur, Sriperumbudur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.

  • Ramya Anilkumar

    Tutor, Department of Anatomy, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, BIHER, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.

  • Thenaruvi Natarajan

    Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, BIHER, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.

  • Sangeetha R

    Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sri Lalithambigai Medical College and Hospital, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai-600095, Tamilnadu, India.

References

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Published

19-06-2025

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Articles