Internet addiction and life satisfaction among Indian students: A mediation analysis

Abstract

Evidence on the relationship between internet addiction (IA) and life satisfaction (LS) among university students remains limited, and underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This study examined whether depression and anxiety mediate the relationship between IA and LS among 1,320 Indian university students (958 males, 362 females). Participants completed the Internet Addiction Test-Short Form (IAT-12), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Data were analyzed using SPSS v27 and PROCESS Macro.Clinically significant depression and anxiety were reported by 19.1% and 19.0% of participants, respectively, while 22.6% reported low life satisfaction. IA was positively associated with depression and anxiety and negatively associated with LS. Both depression and anxiety significantly mediated the IA-LS relationship, with depression exerting a stronger effect. Parallel mediation analyses confirmed independent effects of both mediators, while serial mediation analyses identified sequential pathways linking IA, depression, anxiety, and LS.Psychological distress accounted for a substantial proportion of the association between problematic internet use and lower life satisfaction. Findings highlight the importance of integrated university mental health strategies that promote digital well-being, facilitate early identification of psychological distress, and provide accessible psychosocial support.