Background and Objective: Nowadays large population in the world use internet.
Despite numerous advantages and positive changes of this technology in communications, unfortunately some studies have dangerous side effects attributed to the use of the Internet, referring internet addiction as the most devastating complications. mental health of the addicted users are at higher risk more than normal users. The aim of this study is to describe the relationship between internet addiction and mental health in student of Azad University Sari in 2015.
Method: This study is a descriptive study on 210 student of Islamic Azad University of Sari, That’s done by cluster sampling randomly, by the 2 Goldenberg mental health questionnaire (GHQ) and Young's Internet Addiction (IAT). The collected data were analyzed by statistical software SPSS 21. To analyze the data, the descriptive statistics (Mean, abundance–Middle- percent) and analytical methods including t-test and pearson correlation coefficient were used.
Results: The results showed that the frequency of students who use the Internet in an addictively way, in comparison with the other students experienced more depression & anxiety & in social performance index score low. The proportion of women was higher than men as well as non-native student were more than native student of Islamic Azad University of Sari in Mazandaran province.
Conclusion: Considering these results, to use the internet in an addictively effected the students' mental health including depression, physical tensions, social functions & anxiety. This issue is required more attention in defining policies for education, counseling & preparation the students to potential risks for obtaining fighting kills.