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This study explores the relationship between internet addiction and emotional intelligence among college students. A sample of 400 undergraduate and postgraduate students from urban Patna was assessed using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the Emotional Intelligence Scale. Results indicate a moderate level of internet addiction (mean IAT score of 40.63) and a lower variability in emotional intelligence scores (mean EI score of 20.19). A slight to moderate negative correlation (r = -0.27, p < 0.01) was found between internet addiction and emotional intelligence. Regression analysis showed that internet addiction is a significant predictor of emotional intelligence, explaining 7.3% of its variance (β = -0.069, p < 0.000). These findings suggest that higher internet addiction is associated with lower emotional intelligence. While the impact is statistically significant, it accounts for only a small portion of the variation, indicating the need to consider other factors affecting emotional intelligence.
Keywords: internet addiction, emotional intelligence, college students
Internet addiction has become a growing concern among college students, with research suggesting that it can negatively impact various aspects of their lives, including emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence, the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and reason with emotions, is crucial for both academic and personal success (Kim & Haridakis, 2009; Ti et al., 2022; Jan et al., 2016). This research paper aims to explore the relationship between internet addiction and emotional intelligence among college students, as well as the potential implications for their overall well-being and academic performance.
College campuses are particularly prone to fostering internet addiction due to the easy access students have to a wide array of online resources, social media platforms, and entertainment options (Kandell, 1998; Lattie et al., 2019; Fu et al., 2022; Gupta et al., 2018). This addiction can result in various negative outcomes, including academic procrastination, decreased learning efficacy, and the development of negative emotions such as anxiety and depression (Witkiewitz et al., 2013). These psychological factors can, in turn, affect students' emotional intelligence, making it harder for them to manage their emotions effectively and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships (Rowe & Fitness, 2018). Existing literature has highlighted a significant positive correlation between internet addiction and deficits in emotional intelligence among college students (Fu et al., 2022; Jan et al., 2016; Ti et al., 2022)....