The Effects of Excessive Internet Usage on Depression and Anxiety of the University Students in Bangladesh during COVID-19

When the world shut its doors during the global pandemic, university students in Bangladesh found themselves in a unique and difficult position. Their classrooms moved to screens, their social circles shifted to chat rooms, and their daily routines became entirely dependent on the internet. For many, the online world became a lifeline for education and connection, but it also became a constant companion that was difficult to put down. This shift raised a critical question for researchers: what happens to the mind when the digital world becomes the only world? To understand this, scientists look at two specific mental health conditions: depression, which is a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest, and anxiety, a state of excessive worry and fear. They also examine "excessive internet use," a behavior where a person struggles to control their time online, often at the expense of sleep, study, and real-life relationships. The concern is that these two issues might be feeding each other, creating a cycle where the more a student relies on the internet to cope with isolation, the more their mental health might suffer.

A team of researchers from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology set out to measure this relationship directly. They reached out to 700 university students across both public and private institutions in Bangladesh during the height of the pandemic. Using a structured questionnaire, they asked students about their daily habits, how many hours they spent online, and how they felt emotionally. To get precise answers, the researchers used three well-known tools to measure specific behaviors and feelings. They asked students to rate their internet habits on a scale that identifies compulsive use, similar to how a doctor might check for a fever. They also used standard checklists to gauge the severity of depression and anxiety, categorizing feelings from minimal or none, to mild, moderate, and severe. By gathering this data in March 2021, the team could see a clear snapshot of student life during a time of lockdown and uncertainty.

The results painted a picture of a student body under significant strain. The researchers found that the vast majority of students were spending an alarming amount of time online. More than 86 percent of the participants showed signs of problematic internet use, and over 60 percent were classified as excessive users. This high level of screen time was not happening in a vacuum; it was paired with high levels of distress. Nearly 32 percent of the students reported mild depression, while another 22 percent showed moderate symptoms. Even more concerning, over 18 percent suffered from moderately severe depression, and nearly 11 percent experienced severe depression. Anxiety levels were similarly high, with more than a third of students reporting mild anxiety and over 17 percent reporting severe anxiety. The data suggested that the students who were most dependent on the internet were also the ones most likely to be struggling with these mental health challenges.

When the researchers analyzed the connection between these two factors, the link became clear. Students who were classified as excessive internet users were significantly more likely to experience depression and anxiety at every level of severity compared to those who used the internet less compulsively. The study showed that excessive internet use was not just a minor habit but a strong predictor of mental health struggles. For instance, students with excessive internet use were much more likely to report severe depression and severe anxiety than their peers who did not exhibit these compulsive behaviors. The researchers also looked at other factors that might influence these feelings. They found that female students were more likely to report depression than male students. Interestingly, living with family during the lockdown had a mixed effect; it seemed to protect against mild depression but was associated with higher odds of severe depression and anxiety, perhaps due to the stress of prolonged confinement or family conflicts.

The study also highlighted what might help protect students' mental well-being. Students who maintained a regular sleep schedule of seven to nine hours a night were less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. Similarly, those who engaged in physical exercise reported lower levels of distress. Academic performance also played a role; students who were performing well in their studies were less likely to experience severe mental health issues. These findings suggest that while the internet was a necessary tool for survival during the pandemic, the way students used it mattered greatly. The researchers noted that simply using the internet for entertainment did not always lead to negative outcomes, but the lack of control over usage was the key factor. The study does not prove that the internet caused the depression or anxiety, but it strongly suggests that the two are deeply intertwined during times of crisis.

The authors conclude that universities and policymakers need to take these findings seriously. They recommend that educational institutions develop clear guidelines for healthy internet use, encouraging students to take digital breaks and maintain offline routines. Mental health services should be strengthened to screen for both problematic internet habits and emotional distress, with special attention given to female students who appear more vulnerable to depression. The researchers emphasize that supporting student well-being requires a holistic approach that includes academic mentoring, physical activity programs, and sleep hygiene awareness. By addressing the digital habits of students alongside their emotional needs, universities can better support their students during future disruptions and in everyday academic life.