A Comprehensive Introduction to Internet Addiction and Its Relationship with Social Anxiety and Identity Styles

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between internet addiction and social anxiety with a focus on identity styles among youth in Tabriz, Iran. Using a descriptive-correlational design, the research investigates the impact of social anxiety on internet addiction. A sample of 200 individuals aged 18 to 30 was selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires measuring social anxiety and internet addiction and analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis and regression analysis. The results indicate a significant positive correlation between social anxiety and internet addiction (r = 0.48, p < 0.001), suggesting that higher levels of social anxiety are associated with greater internet addiction. Additionally, regression analysis shows that social anxiety significantly predicts internet addiction (? = 0.35, p < 0.0001). The study also examines the role of identity styles and reveals that individuals with confused or diffused identity styles are more prone to internet addiction. The findings emphasize the complex interaction between social anxiety, identity styles, and internet addiction, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these psychological factors.