Electronic Addiction Among University Students: A Field Study at the Middle Technical University

Abstract

The internet has become a necessity in today’s world—an unavoidable reality that serves as a double-edged sword. It is a powerful educational and research tool that facilitates learning, translation, and book summarization, providing researchers with limitless knowledge at their fingertips. The internet is particularly essential for university students, who rely on it extensively in all aspects of their studies. Among the greatest inventions of the modern era are the internet and the smartphone, which remains in one’s hands 24/7, enabling travel, shopping, reading, communication, gaming, investment, and remote work—all without leaving one’s place.

However, as humanity harnessed the internet for its benefit, it failed to anticipate the risk of addiction. The increasing dependence on the internet has led to an inability to detach from it, giving rise to the term “internet addiction,” where time loses its boundaries. This phenomenon is a global concern due to the widespread use of smartphones, online gaming, and the worsening of social conditions such as unemployment, life pressures, family issues, and the shift from extended to nuclear families. Loneliness, isolation, boredom, and social anxiety among today’s youth have only exacerbated the problem.

Another perspective on this issue is the growing perception that those who do not use the internet or own an outdated phone are seen as backward and ignorant, regardless of their knowledge. Keeping up with modern advancements, staying updated with trending news, and staying ahead in global developments have become essential. Consequently, numerous issues have emerged, including digital device addiction, pornography addiction, the rise of virtual romantic and friendship relationships, cybercrimes such as hacking, blackmail, and online fraud. Furthermore, excessive internet use has led to social disengagement, neglect of family ties, academic and professional negligence, deteriorating mental and physical health, stress, and psychological pressure. The dangers of internet addiction among university students are vast and cannot be underestimated.