Digital Dilemma: Internet Addiction, Sleep Quality, and Psychological Well-Being in Adult Population of Kolkata

Abstract

The 21st Century expeditious digitalization of modern society has made internet uses an integral part of daily life. However, unrestricted internet engagement, often leading to internet addiction, has been linked to poor sleep cycle or circadian rhythm and declined psychological well-being. This study aimed how was the relationship between internet addiction, sleep quality, and psychological wellbeing among adult age group. Data were gathered during August and October of 2025. A total of 100 participants adult aged from 27–45 years were recruited through snowball sampling .For this study Ex post facto research design was endorsed. Google form was used to assist accumulate the data. Standardized instruments, including the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) from 2016 developed by Kimberly Young, Pittsburgh Sleep quality index (PSQI) from 1989 developed by Daniel J. Buysse and his associates at the University of Pittsburgh, and Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWB) Ryff & Keyes(1995), were administered. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Two-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis among variables. There was a positive correlation between increased internet addiction and poor sleep quality (r = 0.486; p < 0.01). Conversely, higher levels of psychological well-being were negatively correlated with both internet addiction (r = -0.603; p < 0.01) and poor sleep quality (r = -0.701; p < 0.01). Additionally, the impact of internet addiction on sleep quality, internet addiction on psychological well-being, and sleep quality on psychological well-being showed average r2 values, all significant at the 0.01 level. A two-way ANOVA revealed a significant interaction effect between internet addiction and psychological well-being on sleep quality, significant at the 0.05 level. The findings underscore the need for age-appropriate digital literacy and mental health interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive internet use on sleep and overall well-being for every individual.