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Mam, Adolescents' internet dependence has been a subject of interest owing to its potential association with various behavioral problems. Research has indicated that family factors such as low cohesion and limited parental supervision can contribute to adolescent internet addiction.1 Around 28% of population in India is actively using the internet with per annum growth of 9% of urban users and 26% of rural India.2 There is a strong and significant association between internet addiction and self-injurious behavior in adolescents.3 Personality traits such as high novelty seeking, high harm avoidance, and low reward dependence have been linked to a higher proportion of adolescents with internet addiction.4 Behavioral problems in adolescents, whether related to internet addiction or other factors, can manifest in various ways. Studies have shown that emotional and behavioral problems can negatively impact adolescents' daily functioning and various life domains.5,6 The researcher assessed the level of internet dependence and associated behavior problems among adolescents. A descriptive study was conducted at Madras Medical College. The population consisted of college students in the age group of 17 to 22 years. Sample size was 50 adolescents, who met the inclusion criteria were selected by nonprobability purposive sampling technique. Ethical clearance for the study was obtained from the institutional ethical committee. Structured interview method was used to collect the demographical variables, level of internet dependence was assessed by internet addiction test, and behavioral problems was assessed by using behavioral problems assessment scale. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The present study results show that 34 (68%) had moderate level of internet dependence, 15 (50%) had severe level of internet dependence, and 1 (2%) had mild level of internet dependence. Because of the level of behavior problems 31 (62%) had moderate level of behavior problems, 16 (32%) had severe level of behavior problems, and 3 (6%) had low level of behavior problems. The mean score of internet dependence was 70.70 ± 11.26, and mean score of behavior problems was 22.26 ± 7.22. The calculated Karl Pearson's correlation value of r = -0.415 shows a mild negative correlation, which was statistically significant at P < 0.01 level. This clearly infers that when internet dependence among adolescents increases their behavior. The present study suggests a healthy home background characterized by collaboration, little conflict, and communication, a supportive educational setting, and excellent academic performance all worked as protective factors against internet addiction. Family support may provide adolescents with a safe and caring environment to limit their internet usage while cultivating positive connections and habits. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.
Jagadeeswari et al. (Mon,) studied this question.