Impact of Internet Usage Patterns on Psychological Well-being in Paramilitary Forces: The Role of Addiction, Sleep Quality, and Social Connections.

Objectives: This study investigates how patterns of internet usage affect the psychological well-being of paramilitary personnel, focusing on the mediating roles of internet addiction, sleep quality, and social connectivity. Methods: A cross-sectional design was adopted with 500 paramilitary participants sampled through stratified random sampling. Standardized questionnaires assessed internet usage patterns, psychological well-being, internet addiction, sleep quality, and social connections. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and moderation analysis via hierarchical regression. Findings: High internet usage intensity was significantly associated with reduced psychological well-being (β = -0.09, p < .05), partially mediated by internet addiction (β = -0.25), poor sleep quality (β = 0.18), and reduced social connections (β = 0.37). Moderating effects were observed for age, rank, and deployment location. Personnel in remote areas and younger participants exhibited stronger negative associations. Novelty: This study is among the first to holistically assess how internet usage impacts psychological well-being in paramilitary forces, introducing a model that incorporates internet addiction, sleep quality, and social ties as critical mediators. It highlights context-specific vulnerabilities and calls for targeted digital wellness interventions for paramilitary forces.