Digital Risks and Youth Resilience: Evaluating Internet Addiction and Gender Impacts through the SDG Framework in India

Abstract

Background- The growing incidence of internet addiction has generated worries about its psychological effects, especially its link to resilience. Understanding how excessive internet usage impacts resilience, particularly among adolescents. In light of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education), it is vital to investigate how excessive internet use affects youth development and well-being. Aim- The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship and gender difference between internet addiction and resilience, and to discover the predictors of internet addiction in teenagers.

Sample- The study included 120 students from Hisar, Haryana, ranging in age from 16 to 19.

Method- The study used a quantitative research approach, with Pearson's correlation (r) to measure the relationship between internet addiction (IA) and resilience, an independent samples t-test to investigate gender differences, and multiple regression analysis to find the predictors of IA. Result- The study found no substantial link (r = -.057) between internet addiction and resilience. However, there were significant gender disparities in both categories, with male adolescents scoring higher in internet addiction with (M = 37.93, SD = 12.248) and resilience with (M = 18.95, SD = 3.414) than female adolescents with (M = 31.12, SD = 13.640) on internet addiction and with (M= 17.08, SD = 3.230) on resilience.  Furthermore, multiple regression analysis revealed that gender is a significant predictor of internet addiction with a 5.7% variance. Females had a much lower score than the males by roughly 6.65 units.

Conclusion- The study emphasizes the impact of gender on IA and resilience, claiming that male teenagers are more vulnerable to IA while also being more resilient. These findings underline the importance of gender-sensitive solutions for managing adolescent’s internet addiction. These findings add to the overall SDG agenda by promoting inclusive, egalitarian, and health-conscious education and behavioral interventions for youths.