Résumé
Youth and adolescence are important periods of human life. The time duration of using internet and virtual spaces is being increased among this age group. This study examined the identity status and mental health in three groups of Tehran University students using internet and virtual spaces. In a cross sectional study, 200 19-30 years old students selected via quota sampling from various faculties of Tehran University. Demographic questionnaire, Ego Identity scale, National Identity Scale, Religious Identity Scale and GHQ [General Health Questionnaire] were administered; then the participants were distributed in three group; namely: over users [spend 20-40 hours per week using internet and virtual spaces], moderate users [5-10 hours per week], and rare users [seldom use these media]. Then they were compared regarding their mean scores of the administered scales. Data were analyzed by SPSS10 using ANOVA and follow up Sheffe test. No significant difference was considered in ego identity scores of the three groups [F = 3.2, p < 0.05]. However, the groups showed significant differences in religious identity [F = 15.9], national identity [F = 9.2] and mental health status [F = 10.5] mean scores [p < 0.05]. In this study, national and religious identity scores as well as mental health status scores were obviously lower in the over users group. Prolonged time usage of internet and virtual spaces may be associated with poorer mental health status as well as, defects in some identity aspects