Influence of Internet Addiction on Depression and Anxiety Among Emerging Adults at Daystar Univeristy, Nairobi Campus, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between internet addiction and mental health outcomes among emerging adults at Daystar University's Nairobi Campus, addressing a significant research gap in the African context. Despite Kenya's high internet penetration rates and growing concerns about youth internet addiction, limited research exists on its psychological implications within this demographic. The research employed a quantitative methodology, utilizing a simple random sampling technique to select 300 participants from a population of 1,200 emerging adults. Data collection instruments included the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). The study ensured methodological rigor through expert review validation and Cronbach alpha reliability testing. Ethical considerations were addressed through institutional approval and informed consent procedures. Analysis using SPSS version 25 revealed significant correlations between internet addiction and both depression and anxiety among participants. Key findings indicated that excessive internet use significantly predicted higher levels of depressive symptoms and anxiety, particularly among undergraduate students aged 17-21. Based on these findings, I recommend implementing comprehensive mental health screening programs within university settings, developing targeted digital wellness interventions, and establishing peer support networks. Additionally, I suggest integrating internet addiction awareness into university orientation programs and creating dedicated counseling services focusing on technology-related mental health issues. This research contributes to the understanding of internet addiction's psychological impact in the Kenyan context, offering valuable insights for mental health practitioners, educational institutions, and policymakers in addressing the challenges of increasing digital engagement among emerging adults.