Impact of Self-reported Leisure Internet Usage on Social Interactions

Abstract

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to determine whether leisure Internet usage affects social interactions among undergraduate dental students. Methods: All undergraduate dental students of Government Dental College and Hospital, Hyderabad, were included in the study. Leisure Internet usage was assessed using a fifteen-item Internet Disorder scale (IDS-15). Short form of the Social Interaction Anxiety (SIAS-6) and Social Phobia Scale (SPS-6) evaluated Social interaction anxiety and social phobia. The frequency distribution of responses IDS-15, SIAS-6, and SPS-6 was calculated based on gender and year of study. The mean response score was computed and compared based on demographic variables. Results: The total mean IDS-15 score for the study population was 39.09 ± 8.35. Average time spent on Internet per day was a significant variable for IDS-15 and its factors, with the highest mean score observed for those using Internet for more than 5 h/day. Although half of the population (165; 50%) revealed Internet addiction based on the IDS-15 scale, the majority of the population had low levels of social interaction anxiety (60.3%) and social phobia (69.39%). A positive and significant relation was noted between the total IDS-15 scale with both the social scales. Conclusion: Based on the analysis of this study, it was seen that 50% of the population had self-reported leisure Internet addiction. The amount of time spent emerged as a significant factor and a positive relation between the Internet usage and anxiety and phobia in social situations was also noted in this study.