A recent study conducted by researchers from the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology at the University of Dhaka has shed light on the concerning relationship between internet addiction and depression among young adults in Dhaka. The study, titled "Relationship between Internet Addiction and Depression among Young Adults in Dhaka, Bangladesh," was authored by Taiaba Akter Ima and Azharul Islam and published in the Dhaka University Journal of Biological Sciences (Vol. 34, Issue 1, January 2025, pp. 85-95).

The research examined 200 young adults aged 18-35, using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess their internet use patterns and depressive symptoms. The findings revealed alarming statistics:

• 80% of participants were categorized as moderate to excessive internet users, while only 20% were minimal users.
• 84% of the sample reported experiencing mild to severe depression, with only 16% having minimal or no depressive symptoms.
• Moderate to excessive internet users were found to be 3.7 times more likely to experience depression than those with minimal internet use.

The study highlights the urgent need for increased awareness about the potential mental health risks associated with excessive internet use. Given the widespread access to digital platforms, young adults are at an elevated risk of developing internet dependency, which may contribute to emotional distress and depressive symptoms.

Implications and Call to Action:
The authors emphasize the importance of promoting healthy digital habits and mental health interventions to address the growing prevalence of internet addiction. Universities, policymakers, and mental health professionals must work collaboratively to integrate digital well-being education into academic institutions and community initiatives.

For further details, the full study is available in the Dhaka University Journal of Biological Sciences.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v34i1.79862