AUTHORS:

Dhruv Singh Jodha and Namita Chawla

ABSTRACT

The current study investigates the relationship between internet addiction and self-esteem among undergraduate students from public and private institutions across Delhi NCR. Using the Internet Addiction Test for Adolescents (IAT-A) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, data from 14 participants revealed a strong negative correlation between internet addiction and self-esteem. Private college students showed slightly higher addiction scores, while public college students consistently reported lower levels of self-esteem. Behavioral patterns of students emphasized extended online usage and prioritization of internet usage above other tasks. The findings highlight the influence of institutional and socio-cultural factors, as well as the universality of the internet addiction–self-esteem nexus, further informing targeted interventions for young adults.