Digital Immersion, Social Withdrawal, and Sleep Quality: Dynamics in Dental Undergraduates' Well-being.
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: College students are susceptible to internet and gaming addictions with serious repercussions. In this research study, we explored the susceptibility of college students, particularly those pursuing dental education, to internet and online gaming addiction, which can lead to severe social withdrawal. Objectives: This research seeks to assess the frequency of internet and gaming addiction, hikikomori traits, and insomnia among dental students, exploring their connections with diverse determinants. Methods: From August to October 2023, we researched dental students after getting approval. We handed out a detailed survey to 206 participants, exploring their internet and gaming habits, social withdrawal tendencies, insomnia, and other relevant factors. Results: Preliminary findings revealed that the dental student population, aged 18 to 25 years, exhibited a notable prevalence of mild internet addiction in 29% of participants, while 69% displayed normal levels of addiction. Intriguingly, none of the participants exhibited severe dependence on internet gaming. Moreover, 16% of individuals experienced a moderate level of clinical insomnia, indicating a noteworthy presence of sleep disturbances. Furthermore, 47% showed hikikomori traits, indicating significant social withdrawal. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the vulnerability of dental students to milder forms of internet addiction, with a significant portion displaying hikikomori traits. However, it's noteworthy that severe internet gaming addiction was absent in this group. These findings provide valuable insights into the risk factors associated with these addictive behaviors and social withdrawal tendencies among college students, particularly those in dental education.
Authors: Twinkle sharma, Nidhi Gupta, Preety Gupta, Sakshi Aasdhir
Institution: Swami Devi Dyal Hospital and Dental College
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4415480985