[Link].

(Lahore),27(2),1469-1479,2015 ISSN 1013-5316; CODEN: SINTE 8 1469

INTERNET ADDICTION: IT’S RELATION WITH LONELINESS AMONG

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF SOUTH-PUNJAB, PAKISTAN
Muhammad Saleem1, Muhammad Waseem Tufail1, Rahmattullah Khan2, Rozmi Bin Ismail2,
1
Department of Psychology – FSSK, University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM),
1
Department of Applied Psychology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan,
2
Fakulti Pendidikan & Pembangunan Manusia, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris,
2
Department of Psychology – FSSK, University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM),
Corresponding Author: chsaleem_1@[Link]
ABSTRACT: The current research aims to explain the excessive use of internet as becomes internet addiction and its relation
with loneliness. The sample of (N =1020) undergraduates from Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan (BZU) and The Islamia
University of Bahawalpur (IUB) were taken, including 255 male and 255 female from each university. A-Priori sample size
was calculated to estimate minimum sample size that was 974 to remove biasness; I was taken twenty three respondents
additionally from each university. There were two questionnaires used for measuring variables that were Chen Internet
Addiction Scale, and UCLA Loneliness Scale was employed. Cross-sectional survey research design was used. Data was
collected through purposive sampling technique and it analyzed by using SPSS version 21.0. Statistical techniques Regression,
t-test, mean, and standard deviation were used. The results confirm from the collected data, 28% students have internet
addicts, and 13.5% have high level of loneliness. Comparatively BZU students have more prevalence of internet addiction and
high level of loneliness as compared to IUB. Likewise male students have more occurrences of these psychological problem as
compared to female students overall. Study provides the potential negative impact and effect of internet addiction, developed a
consensus definition, sign and symptoms of IA, and explored the physical, psychological and sociological outcomes of IA.
Key terms: Internet Addiction, Problematic Internet Use (PIU), Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD), Loneliness.

INTRODUCTION finally it involved without criticism and not occurrence of

The Internet is one of the most widely accessible media in the self-disapproval. Although it is simple criteria could apply to
world [1]. Internets users grow adversely whole of the world the use of the internet, but the important questioned arises
[2]. The highly internet users are younger and they label or that if positive addictions are actual addictions, it really fulfill
called as net generation [3,4]. The risk of adolescent‟s health many of the signs/ components of standard addictions such as
increased day by day due to emerging phenomenon of tolerance and withdrawal [14].
problematic internet use, it is less theoretical frame work and Similarly becoming „„addicted‟‟ to the internet, some
need more study to explore it [5]. The rise of the Internet has researchers have further described a correlation between the
been accompanied by worries regarding its impact on the amount of time that spent individuals during online mostly
health and well-being of children and adolescents. Pakistani reported negative consequences [15]. According to Griffiths
youth have been accepted as one of the rising nation of [16] there are two types of addict individuals, first those who
internet users. Users of social networking site Facebook in used technology to gain pleasure, and spent easy, enjoyable
Pakistan have crossed the nine million mark, making Pakistan life. Second those who are using the technology to escape
the 27th most popular country on Facebook. Around 44,000 difficulties or divert their attentions from difficult and
new Pakistani users join Facebook every week [6]. There are responsible life toward easy and comfortable life. According
fewer researches in Pakistan particularly only shocking to Xu et al., [17] internet addiction is generating much
consequences of internet addiction that‟s way the present harmful effect especially in developed countries and infected
research conduct to investigate the appalling outcomes of youngster as a contagious disease that lead to individuals
Internet addiction and its relation Loneliness [7-10]. isolated from the real world especially high rate in Shanghai.
Internet Addiction Addiction defined.
The internet has emerged to become a daily part and According to Young and de Abreu [12] excessive use of
important factor of our lives. Majority of individuals avail internet lead to a state to the individual as similar abnormal
vast opportunity to contact with global world, as well as condition that appears to meet the DSM-IV-TR definition of
engaged diverse activities including receive any kind of a mental disorder described as “a clinically significant
information, educational principles as completing school- behavioral or psychological syndrome associated with present
work, entertainment as playing online games, reading and distress or with a significantly increase risk of suffering pain,
writing emails and engaging in real time chatting, business disability, or death, and important loss of freedom” [18]
enhancement, and improving standard or quality of life [11- Young [19] suggested that internet involve our daily life,
12]. because internet users preferably spend their leisure time in
Glasser [13] described addiction positively and explains as online activities in which 94.8% users are teenagers to
addiction an activity had to integrate following features non- provide opportunity to contact with cyber community as a
challenging and non-competitive with other daily activities, it fake identity. Internet and computer usage admired
relatively easy to complete, it could be done single individual worldwide but its impact adversely on some individuals as
without companion, it had completely engaged to the well on society [20].
individual, during usage some enhancement would result, and

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Furthermore, expressing psychological mechanism, a most various terms regarding IAD in which some discussed
important factor is psychological dependence that developed previous paragraphs like, Problematic Internet Use,
as a result of behavioral addictions; in which no physiological Cyberspace addiction, Internet addiction, Impulse control
exchange occur like intake of a substance but psychologically disorders, impulsive compulsive disorder, and behavioral
involvement occur for a specific activity. The concept of addiction [49-53,8]. IAD has not been officially define yet,
behavioral addiction generated from dependency on the but different researchers agree that certain online activities
internet [21-22]. Behavioral addictions work on as classical including, gaming, chatting, gambling, and pornography
addiction model in which individual labelized as a certain through various websites engaged individuals and create
mental disorders and abnormal behaviors such as overeating, stamina cause to more use of internet [8]. Moreover, Social
impulse control disorder, gambling, inattention, hyperactivity applications include online chatting and social networking
and impulsivity, hyper sexuality, and compulsive symptoms sites (SNSs) such as face book and finally online instant
[21,23-24]. messengers also contributing to engage individuals with
Symptoms of internet use disorder related to internet internet [54-57]. Further researches required literature to
addiction in which excessive time denoting, difficulty to stop elaborate IAD in present time as a disorder, as well defines
internet, lack of sleep, fatigue, deficiency in grades or poor inclusion criteria for psychiatric classification [58].
work performance, apathy, disturbed thoughts, irritability, Internets users grow adversely whole of the world, many
decreased social activities and relationships [25-26]. The researches display percentages of increasing users in different
criteria of internet use disorder include tolerance and countries. Research reported that approximately one third
withdrawal symptoms, preoccupation, difficulty of control to (30.2%) of the world‟s population used internet. This ratio
stop use internet, ignoring harmful consequences, loss of increases 480% as compared to previous census conducted in
interest in other activities, escaping to face real problems, 2000 [2]. likely, in US adolescent use internet has peaked at
poor work performance, and loss of relationships [27]. 93% and this ratio ever changes regularly since 2006 as,
Problematic internet use (PIU). social networking sites visited almost 55% as well as in 2008
With the passage of time use of internet becomes a increase 55% to 65%, likewise 73% in 2009 and 80% in
problematic. It is denoted as PIU. There are many researches 2011. Another study suggested that Greece was reported as
to support negative aspect of the internet. The most important 79% internet users belongs to 13-17 age group and 72%
problem arise in younger is loss of control over internet use, belongs 18-24 age group [59]. Similarly another Canadian
while due to longer period usage of internet, disturbed daily research proposed that percentage of internet users enhance
life routine as well as family relationships, loss of appetite, rapidly and reached the peak point, like 90% of adolescents
further it effect emotional stability of the individual, finally use the internet regularly in Canada [60]. Another study
problematic internet use create high risk for health related conducted in Lebanon, reported that there were an estimated
issues [28-31]. According to Grohol [32] if individual use number of 12, 01820 internet users in Lebanon in 2011 [61].
internet at least 5 hour a day, it be considered as problematic. Similarly adverse effect of internet from chin internet
In the starting 5 hour is efficient time for become addict of addiction scale decreases self-esteem and decrease level of
internet. Problematic internet use linked with many satisfaction with life of the individual that consider as
psychological problems and pathological behavior [33]. It important psychological phenomenon to motivate individuals
associated with decrease family communication, shyness and to show good performance, many researches support that
tension, further lead to depression, feelings of intolerance and social activities and school achievement direct link with self
rigidity [34-37]. esteem that effect use of internet, low self esteem and internet
PIU is equal for both genders [38]. Male and female addiction lead to poor social activities [62]. IAD lead to other
commonly use internet for a different purposes, female serious psychological problems that adolescents face as a
mostly used for more study purposes and meeting new people cognitive distortion and decline life satisfaction, internet
via online, communicating in chat rooms create attraction to users claim thought disturbances and error in thoughts that
contact with strangers as compare to male that use for violent further lead to misperception and wrong decision [63]. Study
games, entertainment, and build romantic relationship using investigated relationship between internet addiction and
internet [39-43]. Excessive use of internet linked to negative loneliness, result shows that loneliness was the major factor
outcomes that relate to pathological gambling and display as that associated with internet addiction. University students
poor academic achievement, antisocial behavior and felt loneliness as a result of excessive use of internet; they
disturbed social relationships [44-45]. claim disturbed relationships in real life due to virtual world.
Internet addiction disorder (IAD) or internet use disorder They became socially attached with many people through
(IUD). social networking but in real life they were alone [64].
Internet addiction disorder is a new digital disorder has been Loneliness
purposed as a new diagnosis in DSM-V, and it is denoted as Loneliness consider as social isolation is an important
IAD [8,46]. Internet use disorder also similar to pathological contributor to the development of psychological and health
gambling in which automatic behavior or action maintain, related problems especially prevailed in students [65].
that further create problem to stop these actions, after labeling Loneliness is strongly associated with internet, adolescents
this disorder proper treatment requires to stop repetitive and use internet and connected with virtual world but its adverse
rigid behavior [47]. Internet emerged as internet addiction consequences is adolescents cut off with real relationships
disorder [48]. In contrast, different researches proposed that further lead to isolation from reality and creating health
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problems [66]. The current studies investigated that high risk to decrease cognitive functioning. Memory problem
advancement in technology generating loneliness, adolescents also correlated with loneliness, study reported that lonely
excessive use of internet and attached with virtual world or people have more memory problems that appeared as recall
cyberspace and isolated with real world, loneliness does not or retrieved some important information [81]. According to
mean it is referred only alone people that not connected or clinicians loneliness is highly associated with mortality and
communicated with others, it mean individual lack of contact health problems, its need to conduct awareness session
with others in real life and cease relationships with others in regarding loneliness and its impact based on gender
reality due to in touch with virtual world, social isolation differences [82]. Another study investigated that loneliness is
effect on quality of life, induce depressive symptoms and key factor that associated with health in later life and linked
causes to disturb interpersonal relationships. Internet create with mortality in older age, as well as its impact differ on
social problems in students, the main social problem is both genders; women are highly associated with
loneliness in which students lack of contact with other social loneliness and prevailing health problems in later life
member in real life and develop shyness. Students create as compare to men [83].
specific environment to communicate with each other like Loneliness is associated with mental disorders, a study
online chat rooms, adults sites, but in reality they have unable investigated that loneliness can occur any time and at any
to contact with other member confidently [67,68]. In contrast, stage of life. It leads to produce negative feelings and
study reported that use of internet beneficial for older adults irrational thoughts. Results indicated feeling of loneliness
to decrease feelings of loneliness, internet provide was more common in female as compare to male.
opportunity to contact with new people, chat rooms decrease Meanwhile, widow, divorced and singles were more
feelings of boredom, social networking sites decrease social prevailing loneliness as compare to married. Lonely people
isolation [69]. Loneliness is contributor to initiate addiction were more depressed, suffering phobias, OCD and other
of drug, alcohol, cigarettes. Many negative habits associated mental disorders. Furthermore, experience of loneliness
with loneliness. Hopelessness and helplessness also prevailing different psychological disorders. Lonely people
interlinked with loneliness. Individual who feel lonely are were socially isolated and their feelings toward society were
more prone to adopt negative habits and behavior [70-72]. undesirable, they commonly perceived as unfavorable [84-
Loneliness plays a mediated role to develop social anxiety, 85]. Similarly, study probed that lonely people have high
poor social skills, depressive mood and lack of sleep. potential risk to commit suicide, risk of suicidal ideation
Students more prone to develop negative behavior as an more prevalent in lonely people [86]. Loneliness created
effect of loneliness, use of tobacco and other related drugs are negative emotions, enhance sadness, amplified aggression,
adverse consequences of loneliness [73]. Loneliness is longer boredom, and feeling of emptiness that further leading
important factor associated with health issues, it depends on to mental illness, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
age and education level, study reported that young adults [87]. Another study reveals that loneliness is predictor for the
have reported more loneliness with the age of fifteen to development of psychological disorder alexithymia, lonely
nineteen, while more educated also reported more loneliness people suffer interpersonal communication problem and
as compare to secondary or higher secondary educated. problem in social interaction [88].
Suicidal ideation and sexual behavior strongly associated Loneliness is serious and major problem for internet addicts
with loneliness. In contrast, study stated that experience of and older people in many countries. It diminished social
loneliness more common in early years of adolescents as support, social activities, and friend‟s circle [89]. Study
compare to late adolescents and its more negative effect supported that loneliness effect on emotional intelligence of
suffer young adolescents as compare later adolescents. adolescents and negatively influences life satisfaction of
Loneliness is threat that prevents individuals entering social adolescents [90]. Another aspect of loneliness is occupational
environment, prohibited social activities, further lead to serious danger that felt organizational managers or internet
psychological and health problems including depression, facilitators as a cut off real relationship and maintaining
anxiety, adjustment problems, heart disease, and lungs virtual world [91]. Loneliness is distress and painful
disease that discussed here [74-78]. emotional experience that occur as a result of breaking close
Loneliness is associated with intellectual disability, study relationships and isolated from social world [92].
probed that more loneliness people measures difficulty in Disablement interlinked with loneliness, a person emotionally
intellectual abilities as compare to socially engaged people. disables to contact with social environment and remain
Students who reported lonelier also claim problem in isolated from real world as well feel negative emotions,
adaptive behavior, learning, and other daily life activities. prevailing distress and sadness feelings [93].
Lonely students are prone to week in physical activities, Finally, all literature supported that internet addiction is a
mental activities as well as social activities [79]. Loneliness growing problem of whole the world for adolescents and
adversely impact on children as a lack of confidence and poor adults, especially in students. Internet addiction further
relationships, learning also linked with social interaction but contributor toward experience of loneliness in students [94-
lonely children are socially isolated and have low confidence, 96]
problem in learning and motivation [80].
Loneliness is associated with decrease cognitive functions in
children, adolescents and adults. Problem in cognition is
related to loneliness, an individual are lonely may possibly
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Objectives of the Study Islamia University of Bahawalpur. Purposive sampling
1. To find out internet addiction in undergraduate technique was used to collect data. There were two tools used
university students. for collecting data, before implementation, tools were
2. To find out loneliness in internet addict translated into Urdu language with formal permission of the
students. authors. All tools were validated by using forward and
3. To compare the prevalence of internet addiction backward translation method, as well as for maintain
and loneliness among genders and also compare reliability and validity various relative techniques were
to BZU and IUB students. implemented, like split-half reliability. Initially pilot study
Hypotheses was conducted by selecting participants and validating tools
H1. Excessive use of internet create internet addition with a formal consent from the author. Forty questionnaires
tendency in undergraduate university of each tool were distributed among all institutions that
students. targeted for research. Furthermore, after conducting pilot
H2. Internet addiction plays a major role to build feelings of study participants were chosen, and then approach the target
loneliness in students. participants for collecting data. The purpose of study was
H3. Internet addition and feelings of loneliness is more in explained to them and instructions given to each student
BZU students as compare to IUB students, s well as regarding questionnaires. First tool was Chen Internet
loneliness prevailed greater in male than female Addiction Scale (CIAS), to measure tendency of internet;
undergraduate students of South-Punjab, second tool was UCLA Loneliness Scale to measures feelings
Pakistan. of loneliness. Moreover, after collecting data it was analyzed
through SPSS 21.0. Data analyzed by using Mean, Standard
METHOD Deviation, Regression, t-test as statistical techniques. The
Participants results displayed through standard tables. After that,
The sample was comprised of 1020 (N=1020) undergraduate discussion was made on the basis of results and compare with
students from The Islamia University of Bahawalpur and relevant researches. Finally, discussed limitations of the study
Bahaudin-Zakarya University Multan. A-priori sample size and suggestion recommended for the betterment of future
was calculated, minimum required sample 974 was obtained. research.
Twenty three respondents were taken additionally from each Measures and covariates
University and eleven respondents taken additionally for The present study sets out to gauge two main variables; to
male and eleven additionally for female candidates from both assess the association of these variables among desired
universities to minimize the biasness of respondents, because population following questionnaires were used.
researches support that prevalence of internet addiction is 1. Chen Internet Addiction Scale by © Ko et al [62].
equivalent for both genders. This is the rationale that data 2. UCLA Loneliness Scale by © Russell [97].
collected from both universities equally that engrosses 255 The tools got translated in Urdu language with author‟s
male and 255 female belongs to The Islamia University of permission by following experts to maintain the validity of
Bahawalpur. Similarly, 255 male and 255 female students the scale (Forward-Translation and Backward-Translation
belong to Bahaudin-Zakarya University Multan. The method used).
Purposive sampling technique was used for collecting data. Forward translation of scales.
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria 1. Mr. Zeeshan Tabassam, Lecturer, Department of
This research is conducted in Southern Punjab where only Urdu, IUB.
two public sector universities exist, first one is Bahaudin- 2. Dr. Masood Nadeem, Assistant Professor,
Zakarya University Multan, and second one is The Islamia Department of Applied Psychology, IUB.
University of Bahawalpur. Students from all over the region 3. Mr. Muhammad Saleem, Lecturer, Department of
of South-Punjab studies in both universities, hence evidently Applied Psychology, IUB.
sample representing whole Southern Punjab. This is reason of Backward translation of scales.
our research that can simply and safely be generalized on 1. Mr. Asif Khan, Assistant Professor, Department of
entire Southern Punjab. English, IUB.
During Pilot study, it becomes known that private universities 2. Mrs. Saira Butt, Lecturer, Department of English,
have not adequate computers lab as compare to public sector IUB.
universities, as well as private universities students did not 3. Dr. Masood Nadeem, Assistant Professor,
located diverse areas of southern Punjab. Furthermore, it Department of Applied Psychology, IUB.
emerges that undergraduate students have more prevalence 4. Mr., Muhammad Saleem, Lecturer, Department of
and effected of internet. Consequently, only public sector Applied Psychology, IUB.
universities and their undergraduates were included as a final The purpose of translations was to establish the validity of the
sample of the study. tools and more understanding to the participants for getting
Procedure more accurate findings regarding the research purpose. The
The sample was consist of 1020 undergraduate universities validity of the tools was calculated by using various relative
students, in which 510 male and 510 female, further 255 male techniques. The reliability coefficient for the Chen Internet
and 255 female belongs to Bahaudin-Zakarya University Addiction Scale was found cronbach‟s alpha coefficient
Multan, likewise 255 male and 255 female belongs to The 0.760 [98]. Likely, reliability of UCLA Loneliness Scale
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found cronbach‟s alpha coefficient 0.797. Meanwhile, all A-priori sample size was calculated for multiple Regressions
values which shows that scales have sufficient reliability and from online [100]. The anticipated effect size f² = 0.02,
appropriate for the target population. Further explanations of desired statistical power level 0.95, number of predictors 2,
tools are following: probability level 0.04. Finally, minimum required sample size
Chin internet addiction scale (CIAS) 974 is obtained. Twenty three respondents were taken
Chen Internet Addiction scale developed by © Ko et al [62]. additionally from each University to minimize the biasness of
The CIAS is a four-point likert scale that consist of 26-item respondents.
self-reported scale that assessing five dimensions of Internet- Ethical Considerations
related symptoms and problems, including symptoms of Permission for using the scale has been taken from the
compulsive use, withdrawal symptoms, tolerance symptoms, respective authors. A departmental permission has also been
and problems in interpersonal relationships and health, as taken from where the data was collected through the
well as measures time management problems. The total score participants. Informed consent taken from all respondents
of the CIAS ranges from 26–84. Higher CIAS scores and debriefing the participants regarding research. All
indicated high severity of addiction to Internet activity. The participants have filled questionnaires willingly; forced
internal reliability of the scale and the sub-scales in the choice not applied on any respondents and not provides any
original study was ranged from 0.79–0.93, during pilot study reward or financial assistance to the participants.
the reliability of the scale and the sub-scales found Operational Definition of Variables
cronbach‟s alpha 0.760, as well as found good split half Internet addiction.
reliability (Guttman split-half coefficient 0.447). Internet addiction is a relatively dangerous affliction with
UCLA Loneliness scale Internet through different sources that can wreck your health,
UCLA Loneliness Scale, version 3, developed by © Russell damage relationships, poorly controlled preoccupations and
[97]. This scale includes 20 Likert-type questions on a four- reduce your overall productivity [51,101].
point scale, with 1=strongly disagree and 4=strongly agree. It Loneliness.
is used for adolescence and adults. The score range of this The state of being alone in solitary isolation and isolates from
scale is 20-80, below 50 scores indicated little loneliness, 59- the real world and deprives them of the sense of belonging
60 consider as moderate loneliness and above 60 considered and connection with real world contacts as feelings of
as high feelings of loneliness. The UCLA Loneliness Scale emptiness without the companionship of others or alienated
has a good reported validity and reliability (Coefficient as a function of an inability to establish, maintain, and
a=0.92). After conducting pilot study of translated UCLA terminate relationships appropriately and interrupts real life
loneliness scale reliability found cronbach‟s alpha coefficient relationships [102-103].
0.797. It has good split half reliability (Guttman split-half
coefficient 0.808). RESULTS
Research Design The table 1 shows the level of internet addiction in the overall
Cross sectional survey method used for this research. population of both universities. From the 1020 students 28%
Statistical Analysis students have internet addiction and the other 72% do not
Statistical analysis was performed by using Statistical have internet addiction.
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 21.0 [99]. The table 2 shows the comparison of The Islamia University
Analyzed data by using descriptive statistics, in which Mean, of Bahawalpur and The Bahauddin Zakariya university of
Standard Deviation, and t-test for comparing mean of both Multan according to level of Internet Addiction. From IUB
University students from score of Internet addiction and 57 out of 510 students are addicted by internet and 229 out of
Loneliness, as well use Regression analysis to predict level of 510 students from Bahauddin Zakariya University. Hence we
significance among all variables. conclude that level of internet addiction in the Bahauddin
Precision and Statistical power level Zakariya University high as compared to The Islamia
University of Bahawalpur
.
Table 1 Distribution of sample according to Internet Addiction
Internet Addiction Frequency Percent
Yes (57or Greater) 286 28.0
No (Less than 57) 734 72.0
Total 1020 100.0
Table 2 Comparison of IUB and BZU according to Internet Addiction
Institute The Islamia University Bahauddin Zakariya University
Internet Addiction Frequency Percent Frequency Percent
Yes (57or Greater) 57 11.18 229 44.90
No (Less than 57) 453 88.82 281 55.10
Total 510 100.0 510 100.0

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Table 3 Distribution of sample according to Level of Loneliness
Loneliness Frequency Percent
Little Loneliness (Below 50) 520 51.0
Moderate Loneliness (50-59) 362 35.5
High level of Loneliness (60 and above) 138 13.5
Total 1020 100.0
Table 4 Comparison of IUB and BZU according to Level of Loneliness
Institute The Islamia University Bahauddin Zakariya University
Loneliness Frequency Percent Frequency Percent
Little Loneliness (Below 50) 271 53.14 249 48.82
Moderate Loneliness (50-59) 170 33.33 192 37.65
High level of Loneliness (60 and above) 69 13.53 69 13.53
Total 510 100.0 510 100.0
Table 5 Descriptive Statistics of all the Variables
Variables N Minimum Maximum Mean Std. Devi
Internet Addiction 1020 26 93 50.59 9.640
Loneliness 1020 32 69 49.75 8.773
Table 6 t-test for the Comparison of the BZU and IUB in case of Internet Addiction
Institute N Mean Std. Err Comparison using t-test
BZU (Multan) 510 54.69 0.377 Mean Diff t-score d.f P-value
IUB (BWP) 510 46.49 0.395 8.204 15.012 1018 0.000
Note. P < 0.05
Table 7 t-test for the Comparison of Gender in case of Internet Addiction
Gender N Mean Std. Err Comparison using t-test
Male 510 51.19 0.433 Mean Diff t-score d.f P-value
Female 510 49.99 0.419 1.204 1.997 1018 0.046
Note. P < 0.05
Table 8 Effect of Internet Addiction on Loneliness
Dependent Variable R Square Std. Error Regression Coefficient t-score P-value
Loneliness 0.029 8.651 0.169 5.477 0.000

Note. a. Predictors: (Constant), Internet Addiction

The table 3 shows the distribution of sample according to level of Loneliness in students of Bahauddin Zakariya
level of Loneliness. From the entire sample of 1020 students University is high as compared to students of The Islamia
520 are at little level of Loneliness which are 51% of the University of Bahawalpur.
total, 362 (35.5%) students are having moderate loneliness The table 6 shows the comparison of the both universities
and the remaining 138 (13.5%) are at High level of (BZU and IUB) in case of Internet Addiction. The average
Loneliness. score of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur students is
The table 5 shows the descriptive statistics of all the variables 46.49 with std. error 0.395 and the average score of
concerned in the scales. The average score of Internet Bahauddin Zakariya University of Multan students is 54.69
Addiction is 50.59 with std. deviation 9.640. The average with std. error 0.377, and t-score for the comparison is 15.012
score of Loneliness is 49.75 with std. deviation 8.773. and P-value is 0.000 shows the significance of test at 5%
The table 4 shows the comparison of The Islamia University level of significance. As the average of BZU is greater than
of Bahawalpur and The Bahauddin Zakariya university of IUB students hence we conclude that Internet addiction in
Multan according to level of Loneliness. From IUB 271 out BZU is higher as compared to IUB.
of 510 students are at little loneliness, 170 at moderate and The table 7 shows the comparison of male and female
the remaining 69 have high level of loneliness. From students in case of Internet Addiction. The average score of
Bahauddin Zakariya University 249 students are at little the male students is 51.19 with std. error 0.433 and the
loneliness, 192 are at moderate level of loneliness and the
remaining 69 have high loneliness. Hence we conclude that
Table 9 Comparison across Gender in case of Loneliness
Gender N Mean Std. Err Comparison using t-test
Male 510 50.12 0.375 Mean Diff t-score d.f P-value
Female 510 49.38 0.401 0.743 1.353 1018 0.176
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Note. P < 0.05
Table 10 Overall summary table of all the corresponding variables
Institutes IU (BWP) BZU (Multan)
Variables Reg. Co Mean Std. Devi Mean Std. Devi
Internet Addiction 46.49 8.931 54.69 8.518
UCLA Loneliness Scale 0.169* 49.45 8.874 50.05 8.669
44.90%, as compare 57 students of IUB out of 510 have
average score of female students is 49.99 with std. error identified internet addicts that was 11.18%. Hypothesis
0.419, and t-score for the comparison is 1.997 and P-value is
0.046 shows the significance of test at 5% level of number three of study accepted. Similarly, results proved that
significance. The score of males is greater than female hence internet addiction in male is higher as compare to female. The
we conclude that Internet addiction in male is higher as mean score of male in internet addiction is 51.19 with std.
compared to female students. error 0.433, and female 49.99 with std. error 0.419.
The table 8 shows the effect of Internet Addiction on feelings Furthermore t-score for the comparison of both genders is
of Loneliness in overall population. The value of R-Square is 1.997 and P-value is 0.046 shows the significance of test at
0.029 and the value of regression coefficient (Beta) is 0.169, maintains 5% level of significance. Other researches also
the t-score for the testing of significance of Beta is 5.477 and supported that internet addiction is grater in male as compare
the p-value is 0.000 shows the significance of test at 5% level to female [41,105]. Likewise, another study result shows that
of significance that shows the influence of internet addiction use of internet is greater in male students as compare to
on loneliness. female students; t-score is 4.046, P < 0.001 [106].
The table 9 shows the comparison of male and female Furthermore, internet addiction has significant relationship
students in case of Loneliness Scale. The average score of the with loneliness. Result indicated that 520 students out of
male students is 50.12 with std. error 0.375 and the average 1020 have little loneliness that was 51% of entire sample;
score of female students is 49.38 with std. error 0.401, and t- these students have not addicts of internet. Similarly, 362
score for the comparison is 1.353 and P-value is 0.176 shows students have moderate loneliness that was 35.5%, and 138
the test is not significant at 5% level of significance. Result students have high level of loneliness that was 13.5% of
shows that level of loneliness is greater in male as compared entire sample. These students have identified internet addicts.
to female hence we conclude that males feel more loneliness The hypothesis number second has proved. Result shows
as compared to female. comparably equal 13.53% of students have loneliness of BZU
The table 10 shows the overall summary of comparison of and IUB students. The mean average was 49.75 with standard
both universities in case of all concerned variables at 5% deviation 8.773. The value of R-Square is 0.029 and the value
level of significance. The stars (*) on the values of regression of regression coefficient β = 0.169 shows the influence of
coefficients shows the significance. internet addiction on loneliness. The t-score = 5.477 and the
p-value is 0.000 shows the significance of test at 5% level of
DISCUSSION significance. Meanwhile, the occurrence of loneliness in male
The current study was conducted to investigate Prevalence of is high as compare to female, the mean score of male student
internet addiction in south-Punjab University students and is 50.12 with std. error 0.375, and average score of female
examine its relation with loneliness. The entire sample student is 49.38 with std. error 0.401. The t-score for the
comprised of 1020 undergraduate students in which 50% comparison is 1.353 and P-value is 0.176 shows the test is not
belongs to The Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB) and significant at 5% level of significance of both genders. Other
other 50% belongs to Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan researches also supported internet addiction and loneliness,
(BZU). Result shows that 286 students have internet addicts results shows that positive correlation with internet addiction
out of 1020 that was 28% of entire sample and 72% students and loneliness r = 0.194, p ˂ 0.01 [106]. Internet addiction
have not identified addiction of internet. Result supported associated with loneliness [107]. Internet addiction created
that excessive use of internet lead to internet addiction, the feelings of loneliness in students [66]. On contrast study
first hypothesis of study accepted. The prevalence of Internet shows that loneliness has not significant relationship with
addiction in undergraduates is 28% out of 1020 sample that is internet addiction, the values are β = .52, p = .89, R² = .01.
alarming for this area of Pakistan, but as compare with other Show insignificant relationship between internet addiction
countries in South-Punjab ratio of internet addiction in and loneliness [108]. Another research also supported
students is less, than other countries and areas like, US relationship between internet and loneliness, findings are, β =
adolescent use internet has 93% that was peaked ratio and .12, p ˂ .05. There is significant relationship exist between
Greece was reported as 72% for the 18-24 age group internet internet addiction and loneliness [109].
users [59]. Similarly another Italian research reported that
94.19% of adolescents are normal users of the internet [104]. CONCLUSION
While comparing both universities, Bahauddin Zakariya The present study concluded that 286 (28%) undergraduate
university students have more internet addicts as compare to students have internet addiction out of 1020 that studies in
The Islamia University students. Result indicated that 229 South-Punjab Universities of Pakistan. While comparing both
students of BZU out of 510 have internet addicts that was universities, Bahauddin Zakariya University students have
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1476 ISSN 1013-5316; CODEN: SINTE 8 [Link].(Lahore),27(2),1469-147,2015
more internet addicts as compare to The Islamia University, J Workplace Learn, 8(3),19-25 (1996).
the in the ratio of 229 (44.90%) internet addicts of BZU and [15] Griffiths, M. D. Sex on the Internet: Observations and
57 (11.8%) internet addicts of IUB. Internet addiction has implications for internet sex addiction. J Sex Res, 38,
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Jin, X. M., & Shen, X. M. [Internet addiction among
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