Exploring the Association Between Internet Addiction, Gender Differences, and Academic Performance Among Business Students

Huzaifa Ather Rajar; Syed Muhammad Zaeem Hasan Zaidi; Syed Meeran  Hasnain; Faryal  Shoukat; Subita Kafeel; Angela John  Gill

Authors

Huzaifa Ather Rajar M.Phil Scholar, Ziauddin University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8616-8490
Syed Muhammad Zaeem Hasan Zaidi MSAPT, Indus College of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Karachi, Pakistan Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2301-5867
Syed Meeran Hasnain MSPT, Ziauddin University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3138-5754
Faryal Shoukat M.Phil Scholar, Ziauddin University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0612-172X
Subita Kafeel MSPT, Ziauddin University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1293-9554
Angela John Gill M.Phil Scholar, Ziauddin University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6321-2252

Keywords:

Internet addiction disorder, students, cross-sectional study, academic performance, social media, psychological factor

Abstract

Background of the study: The extensive use of the internet has improved many parts of everyday life, but it has also resulted in digital addiction, particularly among young adults, including business students. The purpose of this study is to look at the incidence of internet addiction among business students and uncover any relevant trends or demographic characteristics.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 384 randomly selected business students from different studies during period of six month. Internet addiction levels were assessed using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) by Kimberly Young, with addiction categorized as mild, moderate, and severe based on IAT scores. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with chi-square tests to examine gender-based differences.
Results: Among the 384 participants, 57.3 % male and 42.7% female distribution]. Internet addiction prevalence was as follows: 39.1% mild, 27.1% moderate, and 10.4% severe addiction, with males showing higher addiction levels compared to females P value <0.05. Students with internet addiction exhibited lower academic performance on average than non-addicted peers, revealing a statistically significant association p value < 0.05.
Conclusions: Internet addiction is prevalent among business students, highlighting the need for preventive and therapeutic interventions. Promoting awareness and controlled internet use may help mitigate negative academic impacts.

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