Internet addiction: Prevalence and relationship with academic burnout among undergraduates during widespread online learning

Purpose We aimed to investigate the prevalence of Internet addiction (IA) and explore its related factors among undergraduates during widespread online learning in China. Design and Methods The online survey was conducted in April 2020. The Young diagnostic questionnaire and academic burnout scale were respectively used to measure IA and academic burnout. Findings A total of 28.4% of 7562 participants developed IA, which correlated with academic burnout. Additionally, positive attitude and practice towards COVID-19 and exercise were protective factors of it. Practice Implications IA was associated with academic burnout, and better cognition of COVID-19 and positive lifestyles might reduce its risk.

Automated summary

This study investigated the prevalence of Internet addiction (IA) among Chinese undergraduates during widespread online learning and found that IA was associated with academic burnout. Better cognition of COVID-19 and positive lifestyles were found to be protective factors against IA.