The Relationship between Loneliness and Depression: Mediation Role of Internet Addiction

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the mediation role of internet addiction in the relationship between loneliness and depression. 452 university students (241 women, 211 men) ranging in age from 17 to 31 and who are receiving education in different faculties at Firat University in Turkey participated in the study. UCLA Loneliness Scale, Young Internet Addiction Test Short Form, and Indication Scanning List was applied to the participants. The data were analyzed with correlation, regression, hierarchical regression analysis, and Sobel Z test. According to correlation analysis, there are relations in a positive way among loneliness, depression, and internet addiction. In reference to regression analysis, loneliness predicts internet addiction and depression. However, internet addiction also predicts depression as well. As a result of hierarchical regression analysis to determine the mediation role of internet addiction, it was monitored that internet addiction has partial mediation in the relation between loneliness and depression. In addition to that, it was confirmed that this mediation predicts at a significant level with Sobel Z Test. The findings of the study demonstrate a partial mediation role of internet addiction in the relation between loneliness and depression. According to this result, it can be stated that loneliness and internet addiction are risk factors for depression. In terms of studies on depression, the results of this study can be taken into consideration.

The relationship between social media addiction and depression: a quantitative study among university students in Khost, Afghanistan

“…Many prior studies mainly explored the relationship between internet addiction and depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, self-esteem, social connectedness, insomnia, and other variables related to mental health issues (Akin & İskender, 2011;Cheung & Wong, 2011;Demir, 2016;Ha et al, 2007;Kim et al, 2006;Kimberly, 1998;Savci & Aysan, 2017;Selfhout et al, 2009). Nearly all these studies found a positive relationship between internet addiction and depression and other variables relevant to mental health; however, an earlier study of (Shaw & Gant, 2002) found a negative relation between internet addiction and depression.…”

Technological Addictions and Social Connectedness: Predictor Effect of Internet Addiction, Social Media Addiction, Digital Game Addiction and Smartphone Addiction on Social Connectedness

“…Therefore, when the effects of technological addictions on social connectedness are examined, it is necessary to take personality traits into account. Hence, it has been found in research that technological addictions are closely related to personality traits (90)(91)(92)(93)(94).…”

Relationships Between Social Support, Loneliness, and Internet Addiction in Chinese Postsecondary Students: A Longitudinal Cross-Lagged Analysis

“…Generally, researchers believe that loneliness is a crucial factor when considering Internet addiction ( Morahan-Martin and Schumacher, 2003 ; Manouchehr et al, 2007 ; Song et al, 2014 ; Demir and Kutlu, 2016 ). Three relevant theories exist: Internet addiction leads to loneliness, loneliness leads to Internet addiction, or loneliness and Internet addiction interact with each other.…”

“…The second view suggests that lonely people are more likely to be attracted to Internet use ( Morahan-Martin and Schumacher, 2003 ; Özdemir et al, 2014 ; Song et al, 2014 ; Demir and Kutlu, 2016 ; Sharifpoor et al, 2017 ). Excessive Internet use occurs because the Internet provides a wider social network and a variety of online forms of communication.…”