Abstract:

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to measure the level of internet addiction of university students and to examine their relationship with personal characteristics and depression. Method: The universe of the study is students of Kırıkkale University Faculty of Health Sciences. With the stratified sampling method, sampling was made according to the sample size calculated for each of the six departments in the faculty. The data of the research were collected with a questionnaire form consisting of 3 parts. In the first part, statements about the personal characteristics of the participants; in the second part Internet Addiction Scale, which was developed by Kimberly Young (1996); in the third part includes the Beck Depression Inventory, which was developed by Beck et al. (1961). The data of the research were collected between 5 February and 25 May 2018. Descriptive statistics, chi square test and correlation analysis were used in the study. Findings: According to the Internet Addiction Scale scores, it was found that there are no students using the Internet at the addiction level and 91.9% of them are average internet users. According to the scores the students got from the Beck Depression Scale, 38.2% of the students showed minimal depression and 8.4% showed severe depression symptoms and according to cut point 30.4% of them showed signs of depression more than normal level. A statistically significant and positive but weak correlation was found between students' internet addiction and depression levels (rs = 0.335; p> 0.001). It is determined that participating students in the study are more likely to show depressive symptoms as their level of internet addiction increases. Results: Counseling on addiction and depression should be provided to students with above average internet users.

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