• Deepu H N
• Dr. Jyothi H P

Background: Internet addiction represents a growing mental health concern among undergraduate students, with significant implications for psychological well-being. The protective role of perceived social support in moderating these effects remains unclear. Objective: To examine the predictive role of Internet addiction and perceived social support on mental health outcomes among undergraduate students, with analysis of demographic differences. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 608 final-year undergraduate students from twelve government colleges in Hassan district, Karnataka, India. Data were collected using validated instruments including the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), and Social Provisions Scale (SPS). Multiple regression analyses examined predictive relationships. Results: Internet addiction significantly predicted increased depression (β=0.478, p<.001), anxiety (β=0.426, p<.001), and stress (β=0.382, p<.001), while negatively predicting well-being (β=-0.182, p<.001). Students using smartphones for 6+ hours daily demonstrated significantly higher psychological distress. Part-time working students and Arts stream students showed elevated mental health risks. Contrary to expectations, perceived social support showed no significant predictive relationships. Conclusions: Internet addiction emerges as a significant predictor of adverse mental health outcomes, with smartphone usage exceeding 6 hours daily representing a critical threshold. These findings necessitate targeted interventions addressing excessive Internet use and comprehensive support systems recognizing demographic vulnerabilities.

Internet addiction, mental health, social support, undergraduate students, smartphone usage

"Predictive Role of Internet Addiction and Perceived Social Support on Mental Health Among Undergraduate Students with Demographic Variations", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 7, page no.g399-g406, July-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2507658.pdf

"Predictive Role of Internet Addiction and Perceived Social Support on Mental Health Among Undergraduate Students with Demographic Variations", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 7, page no. ppg399-g406, July-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2507658.pdf