Internet Addiction and Problematic Use among University Students: It’s Causes and Impacts

Internet addiction represents an emerging problem among university students, characterized by loss of control over use, compulsive behaviors, and significant functional impairment. This research explores the causes and impacts of problematic internet use in the university population through a systematic review of 60 articles selected from the Scopus database. The results reveal predisposing factors such as impulsivity, poor emotional regulation, academic pressure, and social isolation. In Colombia, 75.3% of university students present some degree of internet addiction, with documented consequences on academic performance and mental health, manifesting as anxiety, sleep disturbances, depression, and impaired interpersonal relationships. Three main subtypes were identified: problematic general internet use, social media addiction, and online gaming disorder. The implications suggest the need to implement preventive programs in higher education institutions, develop emotional self-regulation skills, and promote critical digital literacy. Longitudinal research using locally validated instruments and specific therapeutic interventions from interdisciplinary approaches is recommended to address this complex problem that affects the comprehensive development of university students.