[Loneliness and Internet addiction in students]

ABSTRACT

Obsessive use of the internet is associated with isolation, depression, loneliness and anxiety which are called internet addiction. The aim of this was to determine the correlation between loneliness and internet addiction in Qom branch of Islamic Azad University students. In this descriptive-correlational study, 148 students of Qom Branch of Islamic Azad University were selected through random sampling. Date collection was carried out through "Loneliness Scale", Yang "Internet Addiction Test" and demographic variables questionnaire. Data was analyzed by SPSS/12. The sample consisted of 56.08% male and 20.94% married people. Results showed there was a significant correlation between loneliness and two subscales of relationship with family [P<0.001] and affective symptoms [P<0.001] with internet addiction. Also there was no significant correlation between factors such as age, gender and marital status with internet addiction. It is recommended to provide an appropriate and effective consultation times for the students, identify the causes of loneliness in them and providing appropriate solutions for the reduction, prevent secondary complications such as internet addiction