Internet Usage, Loneliness and Coping Among Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Adolescence is a vulnerable developmental period marked by increased emotional sensitivity and extensive use of digital technology. Excessive internet usage has emerged as a growing behavioural concern and is often associated with loneliness, poor psychosocial adjustment, and maladaptive coping strategies among adolescents. The aim and objective is to assess the relationship between internet usage, loneliness, and coping strategies among adolescents and to identify sociodemographic predictors of problematic internet use (PIU) and loneliness. Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 adolescents aged 14–18 years studying in selected schools of Durgapur. Participants were selected using quota/convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Internet Addiction Test–Adolescence (IAT-A), UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3, COPE-A scale, and a semi-structured sociodemographic proforma. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics, correlational analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were applied. Results: Moderate loneliness was observed in 48.0% of participants, while 23.0% experienced high loneliness. Adaptive coping strategies were reported by 61.0% of adolescents, whereas maladaptive coping was present in 39.0%. Problematic internet use was significantly associated with maladaptive coping strategies (p<0.001). Internet usage showed a strong positive correlation with loneliness (r=0.624, p<0.001) and a negative correlation with coping scores (r=−0.481, p<0.001). Regression analysis identified daily screen time, loneliness score, maladaptive coping, and male gender as significant predictors of PIU. Problematic internet use, maladaptive coping, family conflict, and female gender significantly predicted loneliness. Conclusion: Problematic internet use and loneliness are strongly interconnected among adolescents and are influenced by coping behaviours. Early psychosocial interventions promoting adaptive coping may help reduce loneliness and unhealthy internet use.

Keywords: Adolescents; Problematic internet use; Loneliness; Coping strategies; Internet addiction; Mental health.