Impact of Digital Addiction on Emotional Status of Female High School Students

Aims: Although the Internet has greatly benefited our daily lives, over usage of it can lead to addiction, which can negatively impact our life. This study aimed to assess the impact of digital addiction on emotional status of female high school students. Instruments Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted in Baghdad Governorate from December 1st, 2022 to April 5th, 2023. 360 female high school students were selected using simple random sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by experts, and a pilot study confirmed the reliability of the results. This questionnaire had a total of 25 questions to measure digital addiction and 21 questions to measure mental health. Through the interview, data were gathered, and descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings: The majority of respondents are female pupils in grades 4, with a mean age of 16.55±1.08 years. 49.7% of the high school pupils reported a high degree of addiction, and 50.6% had a moderate level of emotional status. The amount of time spent using devices during the week (β=-0.218; p=0.0001), the amount of time spent using devices on the weekend (β=0.137; p=0.019), and digital addiction (β=0.282; p=0.0001), all predicted emotional status. Conclusion: Emotional status is predicted by the time of device use during the week, the amount of device use on the weekends, and digital addiction.