Surveying the relationship of Internet addiction with dependence on cell phone, depression, anxiety, and stress in collegians (Case study: Bam University of Medical Sciences)

Background and objectives: A considerable increase in using the Internet and cell phone is evident especially among university students. On the other hand, the attention and concerns expressed about the psychological and social effects of long-term use of communicational technologies and the, probably negative, effects on professional future and social relationships are growing. Therefore, the present study is aimed at determining the relationship of Internet addiction with excessive dependence on cell phone, depression, anxiety, and stress in the students of Bam University of Medical Sciences. Methodology: A comparative-correlative study on 230 students in Bam University of Medical Sciences was carried out in 2014. The data was collected using Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT), dependence of cell phone, and Lovibond & Lovibond’s depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21). (sig. = 0.05) Finding: Total scores of Internet addiction and dependence on cell phone were 49.03±20 and 42.7±11.77 respectively. There was also a significant relationship between Internet addiction and the variables dependence on cell phone, depression, anxiety, and stress. (p<0.05) Conclusion: The results showed that increase in the time spent on the Internet led to increase in depression, anxiety, stress, and dependence on cell phone. Therefore, there is a need for more efficient educational, consultation, and behavioral planning to attenuate the psychological and social damages.