COGNITIVE CONSEQUENCES OF INTERNET ADDICTION AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

Abstract

This empirical investigation examines the cognitive ramifications of internet addiction among college students, utilising data compiled from a succession of qualitative studies conducted in the past. Our study's objective is to ascertain the extent and variety of cognitive impairments that are linked to the overutilization of the internet within an academic environment. A mixed-methods approach was utilised in this study, consisting of the analysis of old qualitative data and the development of new quantitative measures. Our sample consisted of university students between the ages of 18 and 24 who were identified as high-frequency Internet users and self-reported their usage patterns. The results indicate a noteworthy association between excessive use of the internet and cognitive impairments, specifically concerning attention span, memory retention, and decision-making aptitude. Students who demonstrated elevated levels of internet addiction experienced significant academic setbacks, as evidenced by their declining GPAs and diminished participation in classroom discussions. Moreover, the qualitative analysis shed light on the self-perceptions of dependence among the students and the consequences that it has on their day-to-day existence, such as sleep disturbances and social isolation. Our research makes a scholarly contribution to the expanding field of internet addiction and its effects on the cognitive abilities of young adults. The results emphasise the necessity of implementing focused interventions on college campuses in order to combat internet addiction and promote cognitive health. Additionally, the research demonstrates potential for future investigations into the enduring cognitive ramifications of internet addiction and its wider ramifications in the era of Internalization.