The Global Prevalence of Internet Addiction in Adolescents Post-COVID-19 Period: Examining Iran's Situation

The widespread use of the Internet has led to both beneficial and detrimental impacts on adolescents and young adults worldwide. Understanding the factors that contribute to these effects enables the development of culturally appropriate strategies for addressing them at a global scale. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global surge in Internet use, particularly among adolescents. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of Internet addiction among adolescents in Iran during the post-COVID-19 period. In this web-based cross-sectional study, 1358 Tehran-based adolescents aged 13-18 completed the Young's Internet Addiction Questionnaire. Findings revealed a 10.3% prevalence of Internet addiction among the participants following the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors such as age of first exposure to the Internet and time spent online were correlated with addiction, while gender played no significant role. Additionally, Internet addiction was significantly linked to recreational use, gaming, and insufficient parental support, but not to educational usage. By comparing the cultural contexts of Iran and other countries, this study determines Iran's standing in terms of Internet addiction and the influence of culture. The implications of the findings suggest the need for policymakers, educators, and healthcare providers to devise effective strategies to combat this emerging public health concern.